Automated banking machine system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine ( 152 ) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader ( 170 ), a keypad ( 172 ), a printer ( 174 ), a bill dispenser ( 176 ), a coin dispenser ( 178 ), a code reading device ( 180 ), a display ( 182 ), a cash acceptor ( 184 ), a check acceptor ( 186 ) and a biometric reader ( 188 ). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor ( 190 ) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items. Other transactions may be conducted, including redeeming or changing forms of value including forms of value that can be used within a gaming establishment ( 154 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No.60/789,644 filed Apr. 5, 2006. The disclosure of this application isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines that are actuatedresponsive to indicia on cards carried by users. The exemplary automatedbanking machine is usable in connection in a facility where users areinvolved in transactions, such as a gaming establishment to facilitategaming machine use and cash payouts to users.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines actuated responsive to user cards are knownin the prior art. For purposes of this disclosure an automated bankingmachine, automated teller machine, ATM or automated transaction machineshall include any device which is capable of carrying out transactionsincluding transfers of value. Furthermore, it should be understood thatfor purposes of this disclosure the terms cash and currency areinterchangeable. Automated banking machines are typically operative toperform banking transactions such as dispensing cash, transferring valuebetween banking accounts, or accepting deposits. Many automated bankingmachines are located in retail or service facilities such as stores, gasstations, restaurants and bars. The owners of these facilities oftengenerate income from the automated banking machines through service feeson transactions performed with the machine. For example, if a userwithdraws an amount of cash from the automated banking machine, the usermay be charged a small transaction fee.

If the automated banking machine has only marginal use, the incomegenerated may not be sufficient to justify the expense of maintainingthe machine. For example, maintenance and service costs may consume alarge portion of the monthly income generated by an automated bankingmachine which has low transaction volumes.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It would be desirable to provide additional functions and capabilitiesfor automated banking machines. Digital recordings are typicallydistributed on compact disks (CD) for playback on a CD player. As soundsystem capabilities have become a standard feature of many new personalcomputers, digital sound recordings are also being distributed ascomputer files. Common formats for sound computer files include WAV(Waveform Audio File Format) and MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3). To playsuch files, computer systems can employ a sound file player applicationsuch as the Windows Media Player from Microsoft Corporation. Sound fileplayer applications read the digital sound files and outputcorresponding music through the sound card and speakers of the computersystem.

Digital sound recordings may also be copied directly from an audio CDusing a personal computer through a process called “ripping.”Essentially ripping refers to the reading of the digital informationthat represents audio on the CD and saving the information in a computerreadable sound file. Different formats of sound files have differentcharacteristics. For example WAV files are typically uncompresseddigital versions of sampled sound. MP3 files are typically created bycompressing a sound sequence into a very small file (about one-twelfththe size of a corresponding WAV file). However, MP3 files are “lossy”meaning that the compression algorithms remove digital information thatmost people cannot hear or cannot distinguish from other sounds. If ahigh sampling rate is used to generate the MP3 files, the sound qualityis only slightly inferior to that of the original audio file. However,the advantage of the smaller size of the MP3 files is significant. Theseadvantages include the ability to store more hours of sound recordingsper amount of space in physical storage mediums such as, for example,hard disks, RAM, and flash memory cards. Also, the smaller size of MP3files enables them to be downloaded much faster through a network suchas the Internet.

Numerous web sites on the Internet offer digital sound files such as MP3files for downloading to a personal computer. Also as a result of thepopularity of digital sound files, portable computer systems have beendeveloped such as the iPod and the Diamond RIO which are specificallydesigned to load and play sound recording files.

Unfortunately, the technology associated with creating MP3 files from aCD and downloading MP3 files from web sites has resulted in asignificant amount of music piracy and lost revenues for artists andmusic recording companies. Anyone with a home PC can generate anunlimited number of copies of digital sound files. By placing suchpirated files on an Internet web site, unlimited distribution of piratedsound files is possible.

To deter copyright infringement and unrestricted piracy of digital soundrecordings, the music industry considered alternative file formats forstoring digital recordings called SDMI (Secure Digital MusicInitiative). The SDMI specification for sound files offered similarcompression characteristics as the MP3 file format; however, SDMI isdesigned to have built in copyright protection features which limit theplayback and duplication of the files. In addition Microsoft hasdeveloped an alternative specification for compressing and copyrightprotecting sound files called Windows Media.

Because MP3 files are already widely accepted as the de facto standard,it may be very difficult for new file formats to replace MP3. Thepopularity of MP3 files coupled with unlimited sound file piracy maysignificantly decrease the revenue that recording labels and artistsgenerate from the sale of music and other forms of audio. Exemplaryforms of certain innovations described herein provide a system ofdistributing MP3 files that enables the copyright holder to receivelicensing fees for each distribution of an MP3 file.

Distribution of sound recordings from the Internet makes it much easierfor an individual artist to reach a mass audience for their work withouta recording label. As a result the variety of music that is availableover the Internet is exploding. Many of the titles can be downloadedwithout a fee. Unfortunately much of the music that has no fee is lowquality, amateurish, and not very desirable. If the artist is relativelyunknown, it is very difficult to get users to download music for a fee.This is because most individuals are hesitant to pay for downloaded MP3files before being familiar with the artist.

If the music is given away on a no-fee basis or even a low-fee previewbasis, it may be difficult to generate any income from the music. Oncethe MP3 version of the music is downloaded, the MP3 file can be played,copied, and distributed an unlimited number of times without generatingincome for the artist. Exemplary forms of certain innovations describedherein provide a system that enables individuals to test out songs for asmall fee, but does not enable the users to copy or distribute the soundfiles.

To take advantage of the benefits of playing sound recording filesrather than CDs or cassettes, a user must have a PC. Although the costof a personal computer has dramatically decreased over the last twodecades, computers are still significantly more expensive than a CDplayer. Portable sound file players such as the iPod and the Diamond RIOare operative to play music independently from a PC; however they stillmust be connected to a PC at some point to upload a new set of MP3files. Consequently there exists a need for a new system of orderinggoods online, such as sound files, that does not require the user tohave a computer.

The current methods for delivery of forms of audio, visual, print andother media may also have drawbacks. Exemplary forms of certaininnovations described herein provide for a better way of delivering thecontent of such media.

Current methods and devices enabling persons to purchase goods, servicesor other items also have limitations. Exemplary forms of the innovationsdescribed herein enable persons to purchase and/or to pay for goods,services or other items through the use of automated banking machines.

Gaming establishments may also benefit from having automated bankingmachines with features that facilitate users obtaining items that can beused to operate gaming machines and/or that can be used to dispensewinnings to users of gaming machines.

In view of the foregoing the innovations described in detail herein areintended to address at least some of the following objectives.

It is an object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automated bankingmachine that is actuated in response to data on user cards, whichcarries out transactions including the dispensing of cash, and which iscapable of providing added functions which increase usage thereof.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to enable a user thereof, to order orto pay for goods through a private network or public network such as theInternet.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide anautomated banking machine that is operative to dispense digitalinformation.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital information to aportable storage medium.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital information to aportable computing system.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital information inexchange for a user fee.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to output digital information to anoutput device in exchange for a user fee.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to distribute user fee incomegenerated from the dispense of digital information among a plurality ofentities.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to download digital information from adigital information source located on a network.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital sound recordings.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to play digital sound recordingsthrough a sound system.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital sound recordingsonto a portable storage medium.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to dispense digital sound recordingsto a portable digital sound file player.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to charge an account of a user inexchange for the playing of digital sound recordings.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to provide a selection of digitalsound recordings to play when the user performs a banking or othertransaction at the machine.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that is operative to offer a selection of digital soundrecordings to play that are downloaded from a network such as theInternet.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a system andmethod through which an automated transaction machine may be used todeliver and manipulate image content.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a system inwhich purchasers of goods can pay for goods ordered elsewhere throughoperation of an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a system andmethod enabling use of an automated banking machine to acquire goods inthe form of gift certificates that can be redeemed by certain affiliatedmerchants.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that can dispense and/or redeem for cash, items whichcan be used to operate gaming machines.

It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide an automatedbanking machine that can carry out transactions through an accrued valueprocessing network as well as through a banking transaction network.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in thefollowing Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in some exemplary embodiments byan automated banking machine that is operative to permit a user thereofto remotely purchase goods. The goods may be delivered physically, suchas by mail, or electronically, such as digitally. For example, thepurchase may include the dispense of digital information which is alsoreferred to herein as digital content. In the exemplary embodiment thedigital information may include digital sound recording files that maybe output through an output device such as a sound system in operativeconnection with the banking machine. However in alternative embodiments,the digital information may include other types of information that maybe digitally stored and transported over a network. Other examples ofdigital information include digital representations of images, books,software, audiovisual works, movies, TV shows, magazines, newspapers,games, compilations, and databases. Of course it should be understoodthat in some embodiments digital and/or non digital goods may bephysically delivered, such as by for example USPS, UPS, or FedEx, or bybeing provided by a service provider or other merchant.

An exemplary automated banking machine is in operative connection withstorage read/write devices such as a floppy disk drive, smart carddrive, flash memory drive, or any other device that is operative to readand write information to a portable storage medium. In the exemplaryembodiment the automated banking machine is operative to save digitalinformation such as digital sound recording files to the portablemedium.

Alternative embodiments of the automated banking machine may include aportable computing device communication ports that are operative tocommunicate with a portable computing device. When a portable computingdevice, such as a laptop computer, hand-held computer, or sound fileplayer is placed in operative connection with the communication port,the automated banking machine is operative to send digital informationsuch as digital sound recording files to the portable computing device.Examples of communication ports that are operative for use withembodiments include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, parallel port,RS-232 Serial Port, Infrared (IR) Port, Radio Frequency (RF) port, orany other type of physical or wireless communication port.

An exemplary automated banking machine may be operatively programmed toassess a fee from a user in exchange for its use in purchasing goods,such as outputting either digital information or saving digitalinformation to a portable storage medium or portable computing device.For automated banking machines that include a card reader and are inoperative connection with a host banking system, the automated bankingmachine may be operative to charge the fee to an account associated witha credit card, debit card, or smart card for example. For automatedbanking machines that include a currency accepting device, the machinemay be operative to accept currency in exchange for a goods order, suchas outputting or saving digital information.

In an exemplary embodiment, an automated banking machine is in operativeconnection with a private network, virtual private network or publicnetwork such as the Internet. For purposes of this descriptionreferences to a network shall include one or more operatively connectednetworks. The automated banking machine is programmed to enable a userof the machine to view and select digital information that is downloadedacross the network. For example the automated banking machine isoperative to display visual outputs corresponding to a plurality ofsound recording files such as MP3 files, that can be executed toreproduce individual musical performances such as songs. The exemplaryautomated banking machine is further operative to download one or moreof these sound files in exchange for a fee and to either play the songthrough a sound system or send the song to a portable storage medium orcomputing device.

In alternative embodiments, the automated banking machine may beoperative to periodically download a selection of digital information inresponse to programmed instructions to acquire one or more categories ofdigital information. By pre-downloading and storing digital information,the machine does not need to be continually connected to a source ofdigital information. Also any delay caused by having to downloadindividually selected information files across a network is eliminatedbecause the files are stored locally in the automated banking machine.

For example when the digital information corresponds to sound recordingfiles, the automated banking machine may be operative to periodicallydownload sound files that correspond to the most popular songs for theweek or other time period. In another example if the digital informationcorresponds to digital books, the machine may be operative toperiodically download digital books that correspond to a fiction ornonfiction best seller list or ranking. In another example if thedigital information corresponds to broadcast TV shows, the bankingmachine may be operative to periodically download digital files thatcorrespond to the TV shows that were broadcast over a certain timeperiod. Of course in other embodiments other types of digitalinformation may be delivered and stored in the machine for delivery tousers, or downloaded at the time in response to the user's request.

In an exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine may beoperative to distribute the user fees for the dispense of digitalinformation among a plurality of entities, including the owner of themachine, the source of the digital information, and/or a licensingorganization. This distribution may be performed for each usertransaction or may be performed on a periodic basis. When thedistribution is performed periodically, the banking machine is operativeto calculate an amount of value that corresponds to licensing fees fordigital information that is downloaded or dispensed by the bankingmachine during a time period. An amount of value equal to thiscalculated amount may then be transferred from an account associatedwith the banking machine such as the operator thereof to the source(s)of the digital information and/or to licensing organizations.

When the digital information requires copy protection features, theautomated banking machine may be further operative to include oractivate a copy protection feature responsive to the type of licensebeing purchased by the user. For example, if the banking machinedispenses SDMI or Windows Media sound recording files, the bankingmachine may be operative to configure the files to limit where and howlong the sound files can be played as well as whether duplication isallowed.

Alternative exemplary embodiments provide for the delivery andmanipulation of image files through an automated banking machine. Insome such embodiments the machine may include a photographic qualityprinter and a user may selectively manipulate and/or print image filesfrom a local source such as storage media or a digital camera, or aremote source such as a server associated with a film processor.

Alternative exemplary embodiments provide not only for the purchase oftangible goods or digital goods, but service-based goods. For example,an automated banking machine may enable a user to access web sites thatrequire a fee for their use, such as Internet gaming or other gamingfacilities. Exemplary embodiments may enable a user to order goods andpay for such goods at the machine. Alternative embodiments may enable auser to pay at the machine for goods ordered elsewhere. Alternativeembodiments may enable a user to acquire goods in the form of redeemablecertificates that are redeemable for other types of goods or services.

In still other embodiments, an automated banking machine may include acode reading device. The code reading device is operative to read itemsproduced and/or accepted by gaming machines. The automated bankingmachine is operative to communicate with at least one banking network toenable users to conduct banking transactions. The banking machine isalso operative to communicate with a computer that is included in anaccrued gaming value processing network that extends within a gamingestablishment where the machine is located.

In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machines in the establishment acceptnon-cash items representative of value. These items may include ticketshaving machine readable indicia such as bar codes thereon. Of course,other types of items with other types of machine readable indicia may beused in other embodiments. The items representative of value whenaccepted by the gaming machines enable the user presenting the items toplay one or more games of the type provided by the machine. The gamingmachines are also operative to produce items representative of valuethat include machine readable indicia. This value may correspond towinnings that the user has accrued as a result of playing the game.These items may also be representative of value that a user hasremaining after having played the game. In some exemplary embodiments,the item may include a ticket printed by the gaming machine, whichticket includes machine readable indicia. In some alternativeembodiments, the item may include the original item presented to thegaming machine by the user that has machine readable indicia thereon,which indicia has been modified to correspond to additions or deductionsthat have resulted from playing games at the gaming machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, the item representative of value may betaken to a plurality of different gaming machines in the establishment.The item may be redeemed for plays of a game, and a new item issued ormodified based on the value associated with the user's winnings orlosses at the particular machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the gaming machines isoperatively connected to at least one computer. Through the accruedvalue processing network in the gaming establishment, communicationsbetween the gaming machines and the at least one computer track thevalues associated with each of the items which are redeemed and issuedthrough operation of the gaming machines. In this way, the computer inthe accrued value processing network is able to keep track of each itemin circulation in the gaming establishment, and the corresponding valueassociated therewith. The at least one computer in the accrued valueprocessing network is also operative to keep track of the machinereadable indicia on each item, and associate such indicia with the valuecurrently corresponding thereto.

The automated banking machine is in operative communication through acommunication device of the machine, with the accrued value processingnetwork. When a user in possession of a ticket or other non-cash item nolonger desires to operate further gaming machines within theestablishment, the user may take his ticket and present it to theautomated banking machine. A code reader in supporting connection withthe housing of the machine accepts the ticket and reads the machinereadable indicia thereon. Responsive to such machine readable indicia,the machine is operative to communicate through the accrued valueprocessing network with the at least one computer in the gamingestablishment. The at least one computer is operative to determine thevalue associated with the machine readable indicia on the item that hasbeen presented to the automated banking machine. The machine is thenoperative, responsive to communication with the at least one computer inthe gaming establishment, to cause bills and/or coin to be dispensedfrom the machine to the user in an amount corresponding to the valueassociated with the machine readable indicia on the ticket. In this way,a user is enabled to receive cash which corresponds to the user'swinnings or remaining value associated with the item that has beenprovided to the user by the gaming machine. Of course it should beunderstood that, while the exemplary embodiment has been described withrespect to tickets, the principles may also be applied to items whichstore data which is modified including, for example, tokens, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, smart cards, flash memory cards,cell phones or other such items.

In still other exemplary embodiments, an automated banking machine inthe gaming establishment may be programmed so that at least oneprocessor therein is operative to enable a user to transfer funds from abanking account accessed through a banking network, and to receive aticket or other item that can be used within the gaming establishment tooperate the gaming machines. In such embodiments, the automated bankingmachine communicates with the banking network to debit a user's account.This can be done in response to data included on a customer's cardand/or a PIN number input to the banking machine or other values whichenable a user to access the user's account and receive value therefrom.The automated banking machine of the exemplary embodiment is thenoperative to cause a printer in the machine to print a ticket includingbar code or other machine readable indicia that corresponds to the valuethat the user has deducted from the user's account. In addition, theautomated banking machine communicates through the accrued valueprocessing network to cause the at least one computer in the gamingestablishment to create at least one record corresponding to the itemproduced by the machine, and the machine readable indica includedthereon.

Thereafter in an exemplary embodiment the user may take the ticket orother item produced by the automated banking machine, and use it to playat least one game at a gaming machine within the gaming establishment.Eventually the user may return to the automated banking machine with anitem bearing machine readable indicia issued by or modified by a gamingmachine. The user may then present the item to the automated bankingmachine, where it is read by the code reading device. The automatedbanking machine is then operative, responsive to the machine readableindicia included on the item read by the code reader, to cause themachine to communicate through the accrued value processing network andaccess the account corresponding to the machine readable indicia.Responsive to such communication, the machine is operative to dispensebills and/or coin to the user in the amount of the value associated withthe item that is accepted by the banking machine. Of course the at leastone computer in the gaming establishment thereafter eliminates the valueassociated with the account corresponding to the machine readableindicia, so that no further amount is paid on that particular item.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the automated banking machine mayoperate in accordance with its programming to enable the user totransfer the value that the user may otherwise be entitled to receivefrom the accrued value processing network into a banking account of theuser through the banking network. In this way, a user can deposit all ora portion of the user's remaining funds or winnings into an account,rather than receive the amount in cash.

In still other alternative embodiments, the automated banking machinemay include a check reading device that enables a user of the machine tocash a check through operation of the machine. The automated bankingmachine may operate in response to indicia included on the check tocause value to be transferred through communication with the bankingnetwork. The automated banking machine may operate to issue to the useran item including machine readable indicia that can be used at thegaming machines based on the value of the check. In still otherembodiments, the automated banking machine may include a cash acceptingdevice that enables the user to deposit bills into the machine. Theautomated banking machine may operate in accordance with its programmingto accept the bills and issue an item including machine readable indiciathat can be used by the user to operate gaming machines in theestablishment. In still other embodiments, the automated banking machinemay operate to accept bills from the user and issue to the user bills orcoin of a different type that a user may find more suitable for theuser's intended purposes. This may include, for example, receiving fromthe user twenty or fifty dollar bills and providing to the user quartersin corresponding amounts that can be accepted by slot machines or othergaming machines in the establishment that accept quarters. In stillother embodiments, a cash acceptor on the automated banking machine mayoperate to accept bills from the user and the machine may be operated totransfer all or some of the accepted funds into a user's bank accountaccessible through the banking network. Of course these approaches areexemplary, and alternative approaches may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment ofan automated banking machine and system that is operative to dispensedigital information.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary embodiment ofan automated banking machine and system that is operative to dispensedigital sound recordings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view representative of the distribution oftransaction fees from digital information dispensed by an automatedbanking machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view representative of an exemplary automatedbanking machine and system that is operative to print files retrievedfrom either a portable medium of a consumer or a processor of digitalinformation.

FIG. 5 is a view representative of an arrangement that is operative topermit cash payment for goods ordered through a network.

FIG. 6 is a view representative of user payment options.

FIGS. 7A through 7E are representative of exemplary steps relating topurchasing of goods.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine operating inconjunction with gaming machines and an accrued value processing networkin a gaming establishment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary automated banking machine ofthe type represented in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an exemplary process through whichthe automated banking machine may dispense and redeem items includingmachine readable indicia that are used in connection with gamingmachines in a gaming establishment.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a schematic view of an automated banking machine of an exemplaryembodiment generally indicated 10. The automated banking machine of theexemplary embodiment operates responsive to data on user cards. Forpurposes of brevity the automated banking machine may be referred toherein as an ATM. However, it should be understood that this referenceis merely exemplary of automated banking machines which may employ theprinciples described herein. The ATM 10 includes at least one computerprocessor 12 referred to alternatively herein as a processor orcomputer, that is operatively programmed to enable the ATM to perform atleast one banking transaction such as the dispense of cash. The computerprocessor 12 is also operatively programmed to enable the ATM todispense digital content which is alternatively referred to herein asdigital information. To perform these functions the ATM further includesin operative connection with the computer processor 12, at least onedata store 13, a display device 14, at least one input device 16, atleast one output device 18, a card reader 20 which also serves as aninput device, and a cash dispenser 24. The ATM 10 is further operativeto communicate through at least one communication device such as amodem, network access card, etc. with at least one financial transactionprocessing computer which is operative to carry out financial transferswhich in this example is host banking system 30. ATM 10 also is enabledto communicate through an appropriate communications device with atleast one digital information source 32. In the exemplary embodiment theATM 10 is operative to download digital information from the digitalinformation source 32 through a network 34 such as the Internet.Exemplary ATMs may have features like those described in U.S. Pat. No.7,168,613 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that the ATM 10 and system are exemplary and inother embodiments automated banking machines may include other oradditional devices and may operate in other types of systems. Forexample, embodiments may include in operative connection with thecomputer processor 12, a currency acceptor 22, a data store including astorage device drive 26, and a communication port 28 which serves as anoutput device. The storage device drive 26 serves as a local data storeand enables the computer processor to dispense digital information to aportable storage medium 36. The communication port 28 enables thecomputer processor to cause the dispense of digital information to aportable computing device 38.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 that isoperative to dispense both cash and digital content comprising soundrecordings such as music and songs. However, it is to be understood thatsome embodiments may also provide for the dispensing of other types ofdigital information including digital representations of images, books,software, audiovisual works, movies, TV shows, magazines, newspapers,games, compilations, databases and other types of digital content thatmay be delivered in a digital format.

Exemplary ATM 10 includes a display device 14 such as a CRT monitor orLCD display. The display device is operative responsive to the processorto output user interface indicia 46. The user interface indicia mayinclude instructional outputs for operating the ATM as well as contentindicia which are representative of the portions of digital informationthat may be dispensed from the ATM for a fee. In some embodiments thecontent indicia may include listings of songs, movies, books or otherportions of the digital content which a user may select to havedelivered. Exemplary embodiments may also include graphicalrepresentations regarding the information, such as pictures of theartist or CD liner in the case of music files. Audio and/or visualoutputs may also be provided to identify, and in some cases enable theuser to sample the available information.

Exemplary ATM 10 also includes at least one input device 16 such as akeypad and selection buttons. The input device(s) enable the user toenter operation inputs such as a personal information number (PIN)corresponding to an account, an amount of cash to withdraw, or aselection of a particular digital sound recording or other portion ofthe digital content to dispense. Although this described embodimentincludes function keys and a keypad, alternative embodiments may useother or additional types of input devices for entering information,such as a touch screen device, a speech recognition system, or a trackball.

ATM 10 also includes a cash dispenser 24 and a card reader 20. The cardreader 20 is an input device operative to read indicia corresponding toaccount information from a user's card. The card may be a bank card,credit card, debit card, gas card, merchant card, smart card, or othermedium that is operative to store account data and/or other informationwhich may be used to identify a user or their accounts. In someembodiments the ATM may include a biometric type reading device whichmay identify the user by a characteristic thereof. Such biometricreading devices may include for example a fingerprint reader, irisscanner, retina scanner, voice recognition device, facial recognitionreader or other device. The exemplary ATM 10 is operative to dispense aselected amount of cash to the user from the cash dispenser 24, and todebit the account of the user through communication with a financialtransaction computer such as a host banking system. The exemplary ATM 10is also operative to debit user fees from the account for dispensingdigital information from the ATM as well.

In alternative embodiments, the ATM may also include at least onecurrency accepting device 22. For users who do not wish to use anaccount to pay for the dispense of digital information, the ATM isoperative to receive the user fees in the form of cash such as billsand/or coin, using the currency accepting device 22. Currency acceptingATMs may have features like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,981,638and/or 6,983,880 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In the exemplary embodiment, the digital information dispensed by theATM 10 includes digital sound recording files 44. Examples of digitalsound recording files include MP3 files, WAV files, SDMI files, andWindows Media files. Each file may correspond to an individual musicselection or song. However, sound files may correspond to any collectionof sounds of any type and length. Other examples of sound recordingfiles include compilations of songs such as are found on music CDs andspoken textual material corresponding to news articles, stories,speeches and books.

In the exemplary embodiment, the ATM 10 acquires sound files to dispensefrom at least one remote digital information source 32. The source 32may include a web site or FTP site accessible through the Internet, orsources in other public or private networks. The exemplary ATM 10 isoperative to periodically download a plurality of sound files that matchcertain customizable programmed criteria. The ATM may also downloadcorresponding graphics or video files associated with the sound files.These downloaded files are stored locally at the ATM in a local contentdata store 13 such as a hard drive. The ATM 10 is operative to displayor output graphical, textual and/or audio content indicia representativeof these sound files with the display device 14. A user of the ATM 10may then provide one or more inputs to select and/or dispense one ormore of these sound files.

The ATM may be programmably configured with different types ofdownloading criteria. For example, if the ATM is located in a danceclub, the downloading criteria may be configured to have the ATMperiodically download the sound files that correspond to the top 100most popular dance songs for the month. If the ATM is located in a bookstore, the ATM may be configured to periodically download sound filesrepresentative of the best-selling fiction and nonfiction books for themonth.

In the exemplary embodiment if the data store 13 does not have alreadystored therein the sound file that a user desires, the exemplary ATM isfurther operative to have the user enter a selection input correspondingto the desired sound file such as a title or the name of an artist orgroup. The ATM is then operative to query one or more remote contentdata stores for the requested sound file(s). A message is returned tothe ATM which is operative to cause the processor to generate a listingof matching sound files which is displayed on the display device 14 ofthe ATM 10. In a response to one or more dispense inputs from thecustomer, and for a fee, the ATM 10 is then operative to download anddispense one or more of the matching sound files from an output device.

In some embodiments in which a network connection such as an Internetconnection is not available or is not always used, the ATM may beoperative to acquire sound files from portable storage mediums such asCDs. Such sound files may then be copied or ripped from the CD and savedlocally to the data store 13 in the machine.

The exemplary ATM may be operative to dispense digital information in aplurality of different ways depending on the type of digitalinformation. For example the ATM described in connection with FIG. 2further includes an output device 18 that includes a sound system 60.The sound system 60 includes a sound signal amplifier 40 with aplurality of speakers 42. The ATM 10 is operative to output though thesound system 60, analog or digital signals that correspond to selecteddigital sound recording files. The signal amplifier 40 is operative tooutput sound through the speakers 42 that corresponds to the sound filesignals. Such an ATM may then function as a fee-based digital musicplayer or jukebox. For restaurants, bars, and other facilities thatoffer music, the exemplary embodiment offers the ability to generateuser fees for both the dispensing of cash and the dispensing of audiblemusic.

For other forms of digital information that is visual, such as text,documents, images or video for example, the ATM may be operative tooutput such digital content either through the display device 14 of theATM 10 or through an output device 18 that includes a video system 62 ora printing system 64. A video system may include one or more monitors,TVs, speakers, LCD displays, or projection TV. Embodiments may includemultiple output devices for outputting multiple forms of digitalinformation concurrently. A printing system 64 may include a monochromeor color printer capable of outputting documents and/or photo qualityprints of images or other graphics.

If multiple sound files or other forms of digital information have beenselected for output through the output device, the exemplary embodimentmay be operative to sequentially output each song either in the orderthe digital information was selected, or in other orders, includingalphabetical by title of song, artist, album, style, or in a randomorder.

Alternative embodiments may also dispense digital information such assound files, to other storage mediums. For example the ATM 10 mayinclude a storage device drive 26 such as a CD-R or CD-RW drive which isoperative to accept a portable storage medium 36 such as a write-once orrewriteable CD. For a fee the ATM may be programmed to dispense thesound file by writing a copy of the sound file on a user supplied CD.Alternatively, the ATM may include a supply of blank CDs or other media,and may copy the file onto the media and deliver it to the user.Examples of other types of storage device drives that are operative foruse with embodiments may include portable hard drive readers such as anIomega Jaz® drive; magneto optical drives such as an Iomega Zip® drive;flash memory drives for writing to flash memory devices such asCompactFlash and Sony Memory Stick®; DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM drives,Mini-CD drives, and digital tape drives.

Alternative embodiments may dispense digital information such as soundfiles, through an output device which includes a communication port 18directly to a portable computing device. Examples of suitablecommunication ports 18 include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, aserial RS-232 port, parallel port, an infrared (IR) port, a radiofrequency (RF) port such as Bluetooth, an IEEE-1394 port, or a networkport such as a wired or wireless Ethernet connection. When a portablecomputing device such as an iPod or a Diamond Rio is connected to theport 18, the ATM may be operative for a fee to download MP3 sound filesto the MP3 player. Examples of other types of portable computing devicesthat may receive dispensed digital information such as sound filesinclude a portable computer such as a notebook computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA) and a mobile phone.

Alternative embodiments may be operative to dispense digital informationto a user through the Internet by e-mail or FTP for example. In suchembodiments the user may select the information through inputs to theATM 10. The ATM would prompt the user to input through at least oneinput device an e-mail, FTP or other network delivery address. The ATMwould then be operative through an output device such as a suitablenetwork interface, to e-mail or FTP the selected digital information tothe user, rather than dispensing the digital information through outputdevices, to a portable storage medium or to a computing device adjacentthe ATM. Alternatively the ATM may send one or more messages through oneor more networks to a remote computer, which messages cause the remotecomputer to send the selected digital content to the network address.Such a system may be useful for purposes of enabling a user to order asyet unavailable content, such as a new collection of songs by an artist,a movie, software, video games, a book, a television program, financialreports or other data that is not yet available. Exemplary embodimentsmay enable an ATM user to request such content prior to availability,and then receive it electronically as soon as it is released. Suchapproaches may enable the content owner to be assured payment byreceiving payment in advance through operation of the ATM, or by beingassured of payment at the time of delivery. Of course these approachesare exemplary.

Alternatively or in addition, an ATM user may in some embodimentsoperate the ATM to subscribe to other content that may be available forfree. This may include for example content that is provided to entice auser to purchase another item for a fee. Alternatively such content mayinclude information about investments, loans or banking products offeredby a financial institution operating the ATM. Of course these approachesare exemplary.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view representative of accounts that areaccessed by the exemplary ATM 10 for distributing user fees. Because theATM 10 is in operative connection with a host banking system or othersystem for settling accounts, ATM 10 is enabled to deduct a user feefrom an account of the user in exchange for the dispense of digitalinformation. The exemplary embodiment of the ATM 10 operates by readingan account number from a card inserted by a user into the card reader20. The account number includes data representative of one or morefinancial accounts associated with the user. The information on the cardwill include data corresponding to an institution where the user'saccount is held. Examples of cards that are operative for use with someembodiments include credit cards, bank cards, debit cards, merchantcards, smart cards, or any other portable medium that can store accountor user information and/or data representative of stored value. Theexemplary ATM 10 is operative to communicate with a financialtransaction computer which includes or which can communicate with, ahost banking system which can validate a user inputted PIN and authorizea transaction requested by the user at the ATM. If the PIN is valid andthe transaction authorized, the message(s) sent by ATM 10 is furtheroperative to cause the host banking system to debit user fees from theuser's account corresponding to the requested dispense of cash and/orthe requested dispense of digital information. Transaction fees or othercharges for the convenience of using the machine may also be charged tothe user's account. Alternatively as previously discussed, embodimentsmay identify users by biometric information. The biometric data from theuser may then be used by a local or remote computer to identify the userand/or their associated account information.

The dispensing of most digital information is limited by the copyrightowner. Typically the copyright owner requires a fee or royalty to copy,display, publicly perform or otherwise deliver the work. The amount ofthe fee may vary depending on how the work is authorized to be used. Forexample if the work is a sound recording, the fee to play the sound fileone time in a restaurant may be much less than the fee to dispense thesound file to a portable storage medium which may be duplicated anunlimited number of times. Consequently, an exemplary embodiment isoperative to track how digital information is dispensed and to transfercorresponding licensing fees to a licensing entity, a digitalinformation source and/or other entities authorized to receive payment.Likewise stored information concerning the nature, location, size,contract status or other information concerning the establishment inwhich the particular ATM is located may be used to determine the fee.For example the fee to play a music file in a small restaurant may beless than in a large dance club. Similar principles may be applied tocharging for other types of audio files, documents, images, videos,audiovisual files and pay-per-view type events.

The exemplary ATM 10 may be operative to debit a user fee from theuser's account 50 for each dispense of digital information. The userfees may be transferred to a common banking account 54 of the operatorof the ATM 10. Transfers of user fees may occur either immediately witheach dispense and/or may occur periodically with the ATM 10 transferringdata concerning multiple charges made to credit cards of various usersto a financial transaction computer, such as a settlement host forexample, which is operative to credit and debit accounts of theappropriate entities.

Licensing fees for downloading digital information from a digitalinformation source may be transferred in a similar manner. The ATM 10may generate messages or may include data in messages operative to causea financial transaction computer to transfer a licensing fee from theaccount 54 that corresponds to the operator of the ATM 10, to an accountof the digital information source 32. Such a transfer may be performedthrough the host banking system or through another transaction switch orthrough interaction of one or more financial transaction computers. Suchtransfers may occur with each download or may occur periodically for abatch of downloads which have occurred during a prior time period.

In an alternative embodiment, the ATM 10 is configured with inputs whichinclude a terminal identifying UserID and a password for use whenconnecting through one or more networks to the digital informationsource 32. The UserID and password enable the ATM 10 to access thedigital information source 32 and to download digital information. Thedigital information source 32 monitors all downloads that correspond tothe UserID and periodically charges the account 54 that corresponds tothe operator of the ATM. Alternatively for some types of digitalinformation, the charge may be assessed against an account of theestablishment where the ATM is located or an account of the operator ofthe establishment. This may be appropriate in cases where the useassociated with the digital information, as indicated by the transactionmessages received from the ATM and/or based on stored data, is a publicdisplay or performance of the work in the establishment. Of course otherapproaches may be used.

Once digital information has been downloaded to the data store 13 of theATM 10, the copyright owner of the digital information may require thata licensing fee be paid with each dispense of the digital information toa user or upon each public display or performance. The ATM 10 or otherconnected computer is operative to keep records of each dispense ofdigital content and the character of dispense that is made. Theexemplary ATM is further operative to transfer licensing fees associatedwith each dispense to an account of the digital information source 32 oranother licensing entity 52 through the financial transaction computer.This transfer may be done with each dispense or periodically for a batchof dispenses.

In an alternative embodiment, the ATM 10 may be operative to transferdispense records to the digital information source or the licensingentity through the Internet or other network. The digital informationsource 32 or licensing entity 52 may then debit or charge the licensingfees from an account that corresponds to the user, the operator of theATM, the operator of the establishment or other appropriate entity.

For digital information that includes copy protection features or othertechnological measure to limit reproduction, access or use of thecopyrighted work, the ATM 10 may be further operative to configure orincorporate the protection features and charge a user fee thatcorresponds to the copy or other protection features which are included.For example ATM 10 may be enabled to have the user select licensingfeatures of a song file such as unlimited or restricted duplication,expiration dates, or other features of the sound file that affect thereproduction or use of the sound file. For example, the protectionfeatures used in some embodiments may restrict reproduction of thedigital content so that it may only be played in the portable computingdevice to which it is initially delivered. Other features may restrictreproduction by preventing the digital content from being transferredfrom or otherwise reproduced in digital form from the media or device onwhich it is initially delivered. Other features may restrictreproduction by limiting the use of the digital content to a particulartime period or to a particular number of plays. Of course additional oralternative approaches may be used depending on the system and thedigital content involved. The ATM 10 may be operative to charge the usera corresponding user fee based on the type of protection featuresselected. The ATM may also be operative to cause the correspondinglicensing or other fee to be paid to the source of the digitalinformation or a licensing entity.

Alternative embodiments may be used in connection with systems whichinclude stored information concerning particular users. Such systems maybe used to correlate the identity of the user with marketing or customerpreference data. Such information may include particular categories ofmusic, videos, books or other materials or products that can be providedand/or that are of interest to the particular user. The ATM may operateto automatically give the user options for selections tailored to theirassociated preference information. Alternatively such information may beused to automatically provide the user with digital files, visual oraudio outputs or other outputs whenever the user operates an ATMconnected to the system. For example when the ATM is operated as ajukebox, the ATM may operate to automatically display indiciacorresponding to favorite artists or songs, or to output one or more ofthe user's favorite songs.

In certain embodiments it may not be desirable for a user to accesstheir financial account each time a relatively small charge for digitalinformation is assessed to the user. In such systems the system may beconfigured so that the user is required to make a “minimum purchase.”This amount may be a charge reasonably sufficient to offset the costs ofaccessing the account, for example $10 or $20. This amount would then becredited to a content prepay account associated with the user. Such anaccount is alternatively referred to herein as an accrued value account.A prepay account record indicating a credit associated with the user ortheir account would then be stored in one or more data stores. Thiscredit information may be stored locally on a smart card or other item,at the ATM or remotely in a computer such as a financial transactioncomputer which can be accessed from the ATM. For example in someembodiments the amount may be credited to a licensing or otherorganization. Alternatively, a financial transaction computer may debitthe prepay account of the user as it is used and route payments to theappropriate entities. The amount of value associated with the prepayaccount may then be reduced each time the user receives a delivery ofdigital content until the account is exhausted. Such a system may beadvantageously used where the fees involved in each digital filetransaction are small, such as the cost or playing sound files. Such asystem also provides the system operator, licensing entity, or otherentity the benefit of the “float” which is the ability to generaterevenue by earning interest or other forms of income on the allocatedfunds.

To discourage or limit the unauthorized reproduction of digitalinformation that may be dispensed, exemplary embodiments may beoperatively programmed to modify features of the digital informationbefore it is delivered for reproduction on a portable medium andcomputing device. For example with digital sound files, the processor inthe ATM comprises a reproduction device that may operate to embed adigital code or certificate in the sound file that is reproduced on theuser's portable digital sound player or other personal computing device.Such a certificate may further include an encrypted digital signaturethat can be used to detect unauthorized alterations of the file.

The portable sound player would only be operative to play the sound fileif the digital certificate corresponds to a unique code or certificateassociated with the portable sound player. Also the portable soundplayer would only be operative to play the sound file if the digitalsignature indicates that the sound file is authentic. Such featureswould limit playback of the file to the user's personal sound player.The sound file would be inoperative on another personal sound playingdevice that is associated with a different certificate or code. Ofcourse the same principles may be used with files that are downloaded tothe ATM itself for storage in the local data store, when the files areintended only to be played through use of the ATM and not transferred toother devices.

In alternative embodiments the ATM may be operatively programmed to havethe user register with a licensing entity for the digital content priorto dispensing digital content for the first time. During theregistration process the user would be associated with a unique licensecode or other identifier that may also be used when purchasing digitalcontent in the future. The ATM may then be operative to embed thelicense code in each file that is dispensed for the user. The next timethe user wishes to purchase digital information, the ATM may then beoperatively programmed to accept the input of the license code from theuser.

For example the license code may be manually input with the input device16, read from a card with the card reader device 24, downloaded from theuser's portable computing device 38, retrieved from another sourceand/or correlated with other data concerning the user. The ATM wouldthen be operative to validate the license code by communicating with thelicensing entity. If the license code is valid and/or is in goodstanding, the ATM would be operative to dispense additional digitalinformation with the embedded license code of the user. Such a uniquelicense code may be generated by the licensing organization, or maycorrespond to the previously described digital code or certificateassociated with the user's computing device.

These described methods of copy and/or use protection of the dispenseddigital information may be further associated with a subscriptionservice or club. For example during the previously describedregistration process the ATM may prompt the user to sign up for adigital information service that for a monthly fee enables the user todispense a certain amount and/or type of digital information. Forexample the service may correspond to the dispensing of music files ordigital book text files. Each month the user would be entitled todispense a certain amount of these files from the ATM for a discountclub rate fee or for no additional fee per dispense transaction.

When the user first signs up for the service, the ATM may be furtheroperative to enable the user to associate payment of the service or clubfees to an account of the user for automatic debit of the monthly clubdues or dispense fees from the user's account. Such automatic paymentinformation may be acquired by reading account information from a user'scredit card or banking card with the card reader device 20 of the ATM.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the digital informationpreviously associated with a user may be retrieved from a processor ofthe digital information. For example the exemplary ATM may be inoperative connection with a photographic film processor. A consumer mayfor example input with an input device 16 of the ATM a processingidentification number associated with photographic film being developedand digitally scanned by the film processor. The exemplary ATM isoperative to download digital images of the consumer's developed filmfrom the processor which corresponds to the inputted processingidentification number. The ATM is further operative to display theimages and enable the consumer to select one or more of the images forprinting to the printing system 64. The ATM may further enable the userto dispense the images to a physical medium and/or portable computingdevice of the consumer as previously described.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of this exemplary alternative system 60.Here the exemplary ATM 62 includes one or more transaction functiondevices 64 and a high resolution photo quality printer 66. The exemplaryATM 62 further includes a data store 68 that is operative to store aplurality of images files 70. The exemplary ATM 62 is operative toacquire image files 71 from a plurality of different external image filesources. The image file sources for example may include a portablestorage medium 72 that is placed in operative connection with the ATM 62by a consumer. The image file sources may further include a digitalcamera 74 that is placed in operative connection with the ATM 62. Inaddition the image file sources may include one or more film processors76 in operative connection with the ATM 62 through a public or privatenetwork connection 78. In an exemplary embodiment the network connectionmay include the Internet.

To use the described exemplary ATM to print images originally capturedon photographic film, the consumer first forwards the exposed film to afilm processor 76. Exemplary film processors may for example receivefilm sent through the mail by the consumer and/or may receive film thathas been dropped off at a film processing booth located at a store orother convenient facility. To facilitate tracking of the film, aprocessing identification number may be forwarded to the film processorwith each individual roll of film. For example, each film being droppedoff at a booth or being sent through the mail may be placed in ashipping envelope or other container supplied by the film processor.Each shipping envelope may include a unique processing identificationnumber such as a film processing number preprinted on the shippingenvelope. The shipping envelope may further include a tear off receiptthat includes a matching film processing number. The film processingnumber on the receipt may then be inputted into an ATM to retrieve andprint one or more of the images developed by the film processor.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the processing identificationnumber may correspond to a processing account number for a filmprocessing account previously established by the consumer with the filmprocessor. When sending in film to be developed, consumers may recordtheir processing account numbers on a shipping container for a roll offilm. If a consumer has multiple rolls of film, each may be associatedwith the consumer's processing account number prior to sending to thefilm processor. The processing account number may then be inputted intoan ATM to retrieve and print one or more of the images developed by thefilm processor.

When film is received by the film processor 76, the film is developedand digitally scanned or otherwise processed to produce image files 82representative of the images exposed on the film. The film processor 76is further operative to store the image files 82 in a data store 80 forlater retrieval by one or more ATMs 62 of this described exemplaryembodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the image files 82 in the datastore 80 are associated with the previously described processingidentification numbers 88 such as a film processing number or aprocessing account number of the consumer.

The exemplary ATM 62 provides a user interface 86 through a displaydevice 84 of the ATM which enables the consumer to retrieve image filesgenerated by the film processor. To facilitate the retrieval of theimage files from the film processor 76 which correspond to the consumer,the exemplary ATM 62 is operative to prompt the consumer to input one ormore processing identification numbers 88 which are associated with theimage files 82 stored in the data store 80 of the film processor 76. Inone exemplary embodiment the processing identification numbers may beinputted though a keypad or keyboard 61 of the ATM 62.

In alternative embodiments, the exemplary ATM 62 may include a bar codescanner 67 or other code reading device that is operative to scan andinput the processing identification numbers from a processing receipt,account processing card, label, or other medium in the possession of theconsumer. In this described exemplary embodiment the processingreceipts, or account processing cards may include a bar code or othermachine readable indicia which enables the scanner 67 to quickly andaccurately scan and input the processing identification numbers into theATM. In a further alternative embodiment, the exemplary ATM 62 mayinclude a card reader 63 that is operative to read processingidentification numbers from a magnetic stripe card or a smart cardpreviously issued to the consumer. The exemplary ATM 62 may furtherprompt the consumer to enter a password or personal identificationnumber (PIN) that is associated with the processing identificationnumber stored on the card.

The ATM 62 is operative to contact the film processor 76 and forward theinputted processing identification numbers and/or PINs to the processor76. In response to receiving the inputted processing identificationnumbers and/or PINs, the film processor is operative to validate theinputted processing identification numbers and/or PINs. Validations mayinclude for example whether an inputted processing identification numbercorresponds to received rolls of film and/or whether the inputtedprocessing identification number matches the inputted PIN. If theinputted processing identification numbers are valid, the film processoris operative to forward one or more image files 82 to the ATM 62 whichcorrespond to the inputted processing identification numbers. The imagefiles 70 received by the ATM 62 are saved in the data store 68.

When the film processing number does not correspond to image filesstored in the data store 80 of the film processor 76 or the inputtedprocessing identification number does not match the inputted PIN, the atleast one computer of the film processor is operative to send the ATM 62a message indicative of the inputted processing identification numberbeing invalid. The exemplary ATM 62 may then prompt the consumer toreenter the correct processing identification number and/or PIN.

Once the image files have been received or while the image files arebeing received, the exemplary ATM 62 is operative to display with thedisplay device 84 a listing of the image files 70. In one exemplaryembodiment, the listing may include small thumbnail views of the imagefiles. The exemplary ATM enables the consumer to select one or more ofthe retrieved images for displaying in a larger size on the displayscreen 84. The exemplary ATM further enables the consumer toindividually select one or more retrieved images for printing by the ATMwith the high resolution photo quality printer 66. The exemplary ATMalso enables the consumer to individually select one or more image filesfor saving by the ATM onto a portable storage medium 72.

In addition the exemplary ATM is operative to perform a plurality ofimage processing functions on image files selected by the consumer.Exemplary image processing functions performed by the ATM may includecropping, red-eye removal, contrast adjustment, sharpening filters,softening filters, color adjustment, or any other image manipulationfunction which is operative to alter the displayed and/or printedappearance of an image.

The exemplary ATM is further operative to provide the consumer with aplurality of sizing and portrait or landscape orientation options forprinting one or more selected images. Sizing options for example mayinclude printing a single 8×10 (inches) image on a single sheet of photoquality paper with the printer 66. Sizing options may further includeprinting four 4×5 (inches) images on a single sheet of photo qualitypaper. The exemplary four 4×5 images may be of the same image file ormay be selected from up to four different images files. Sizing optionsalso may include printing a plurality of smaller wallet size images of asingle or multiple image files. In addition the exemplary sizing optionsmay include custom sizes inputted by the consumer.

The exemplary ATM 62 may be operative to retrieve image files from aplurality of different film processors. In one exemplary embodiment, theinputted processing identification numbers include an address portionthat is representative of the communication address of the filmprocessor. The exemplary ATM 62 is operative to contact the correct filmprocessor through the network 78 responsive to the address portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the ATM 62 includes data representative ofthe communication addresses which correspond to the address portions ofthe inputted processing identification numbers. Exemplary communicationaddresses may include a network address such as a TCP/IP address of aserver of the film processor. The exemplary communication addresses mayfurther include a phone number of a remote access server of the filmprocessor.

In a further exemplary embodiment, rather than having the ATM 62 includedata representative of the communication addresses of a film processor,the ATM may be in operative connection with a message gateway router(MGR) 90. The MGR 90 is operative to establish a communication linkbetween a plurality of ATMs and a plurality of film processorsresponsive to the address portions of the inputted processingidentification numbers. The exemplary MGR 90 is operative to forwardinputted processing identification numbers and other messages from eachATM to the correct film processor and return corresponding image filesand other processing messages to the correct ATM. An example of an MGRthat may be used with the present exemplary embodiment is found in U.S.Pat. No. 6,039,245 of Mar. 21, 2000, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Exemplary embodiments may operate using theprinciples described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,080,036; 7,025,255; 7,162,449and/or 7,080,036 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The exemplary ATM 62 may include alternative configurations based on thespeed of the connection between the ATM 62 and the film processor 76.For example large high resolution image files may take a considerableamount of time to download from the film processor to the ATM though alow speed dial up network connection. As a result, the exemplaryembodiment may be operatively configured to initially downloadrelatively low resolution and/or highly compressed “thumbnail” versionsof the image files to the ATM 62. The ATM may then output the thumbnailson the display 84 of the ATM 62. Only after a consumer selects athumbnail for viewing in a larger format, for printing, or for exportingto a portable storage medium, will the ATM 62 send a request to the filmprocessor to download a corresponding high resolution version of theimage file to the ATM 62

The exemplary ATM 62 is operative to charge fees to an account of a useror accept cash from the user for the services of printing and/ordispensing the images files. Exemplary ATMs 62 may enable the consumerto pay for printing and/or dispensing image files with a credit/debitcard though use of the card reader 63. Exemplary ATMs may further enablea consumer to pay for printing and/or dispensing image files from theATM by inserting currency into a currency acceptor 65.

The exemplary ATM 62 is operative to allocate portions of the feesreceived from the consumer among the film processor, the servicer of theATM, and/or the operating entity which provides space, electricity, anda network/phone connection for the ATM. In one exemplary embodiment theallocations of fees is performed by transferring portions of the fees tofinancial accounts associated with each one of the film processor,servicer, and operator of the ATM.

In one exemplary embodiment the ATM 62 is operative to charge theconsumer for the number of images printed or dispensed to a portablemedium. In an alternative exemplary embodiment the ATM is operative tocharge fees based on the amount of paper required to print the images.For example a single 8×10 image on a single sheet of paper may cost thesame as four 4×5 prints on a single sheet of paper. In a furtherexemplary embodiment, the ATM 62 is operative to charge a processing feefor the development and scanning of the film and individual printingfees based on the number of images printed or the amount of printerpaper consumed. In further alternative embodiments other methods ofderiving and allocating fees for the services of printing and dispensingimage files from the ATM 62 may be used.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the exemplary ATM 62 mayretrieve image files from a portable storage medium 72, digital camera74, or other device of the consumer. The exemplary ATM may then enablethe consumer to selectively print, for a fee, individual images with theprinter 66 of the ATM 62. As discussed previously, the exemplary ATM 62may enable the consumer to perform imaging processing function on theimages, and may enable the consumer to select the desired size andorientation of the images to be printed.

In addition to printing image files, the exemplary ATM 62 may furtherenable the consumer to retrieve other printable documents from aportable storage medium 72 or other device of the consumer. Examples ofother printable documents, include word processing documents, AcrobatPDF documents, web pages, CAD files, Post Script documents, or any othertype of digital content that is capable of being printed to a printer 66of the ATM 62.

In a further alternative embodiment, the ATM 62 may include a camera 92securely affixed to the ATM. In this described exemplary embodiment theATM 62 is operative to enable a consumer for a fee to take digitalphotographs with the attached camera 92. The digital photos may then bedispensed to a portable medium 72 or printed out with the printer 66 aspreviously described. In one exemplary embodiment the camera 92 may beintegrated into the fascia of the ATM with the lens positioned tophotograph individuals or other objects standing in front of the ATM 62.In addition, the ATM 62 may be operative to display a live image of thefield of view of the camera 92 on the display 84 of the ATM 62. Also theATM 62 may display selectable functions with the user interface 86 foroptically and/or digitally zooming between wide angle and telephotoviews. The ATM 62 may further include selectable functions with the userinterface 86 for adjusting the focus, contract, shutter speed, aperture,or any properties of the camera 92 that effect the captured image.

In a further alternative exemplary embodiment, the described ATM 62 mayinclude an optical scanner 94 such as a flat bed scanner or a filmscanner, which is operative to generate image files from photographs,slides, and/or negatives. Consumers may use the exemplary ATM 62 togenerate image files by scanning pre-existing photographs and/or filmwith the optical scanner 94 of the ATM. For a fee these scanned-in imagefiles may be printed out with the printer 66 or dispensed to a portablemedium 72 as previously described.

The computer processors in the exemplary ATMs 10 and 62 operate toperform processes described herein responsive to software stored in oneor more data stores, such as data store 13, 68. The software stored indata store 13 is loaded or stored therein from one or more forms ofprogramming media. Such programming media may include any media orarticle from which computer executable instructions can be copied orread by a computer such as one or more CDs, diskettes, hard drives,tapes, flash memory or other items.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, an ATM may assist a user inordering goods. For example, the automated transaction machine can haveuser friendly operating instructions for making purchases. The machinemay also provide a variety of payment options.

Some persons may be without bank cards, credit cards, or debit cards.These persons may be without credit or are uncomfortable with thetechnology involved therewith. Still other persons may prefer to carryout their transactions with cash (i.e., bills or coins).

An exemplary embodiment enables a user to use cash as payment for theirgoods order. The automated banking machine, such as ATM, may have a cashaccepting device. That is, the machine is capable of permitting cashbased network (e.g., Internet) purchases. Thus, the exemplary embodimentprovides for a user to shop online, yet pay with cash. Furthermore, theuser is not required to own a network accessible computer to carry outthe shopping. Additionally, the system may be arranged so that a usermay or may not have a preexisting account associated with the particularmachine. Thus, an exemplary system may permit walk-up online shopping toany user capable of paying cash for their purchase.

An ATM may permit a user to browse a web site, select one or more items,and proceed to checkout. At this point the user may insert a cashamount, corresponding to the purchase price of the item(s) and anyadditional user fee, into the ATM. The ATM may operate to verify thecash amount and then forward information to the web site to complete thepurchase.

The ATM may be arranged to require the user to input cash either priorto permitting a user network access or after network access, or afterreceipt by the machine of a particular message such as after payment isrequested from the web site. The ATM may provide billing information tothe web site prior to or after checkout. The ATM may be programmed sothat an account of an entity who is not the consumer, such as anadministrator (e.g., owner, leaser, renter, or operator) of the ATMcould be charged or debited the amount of the goods ordered. Althoughthe administrator could use the machine, the administrator wouldgenerally not be the user who provides the value to the ATM to pay theprice or amount for the associated goods or services.

The ordered product could be delivered to an address (e.g., physical ordigital) provided by either the user or the administrator. Of course insome embodiments the merchant may also dictate where and when theproduct may be received. For example, the machine may be located in awarehouse facility and the product is delivered to the facility forpickup.

The machine may include a printer and the user may be presented areceipt for amounts input and/or the product purchase. The receipt maybe used to pick up the product after its delivery to a location otherthan the user's address. For example, a product ordered from a Target®store may be available for pick up at a selected Target® store.Alternatively, the system may be such that the user may pick up thegoods at any Target® store.

It should be understood that the term online in this disclosure relatesto any network or combination of networks that the machine may access(directly or indirectly) to enable a user to remotely purchase goods.For example, a private network, public network (such as the Internet),virtual private network, intranet, or a local network may be consideredonline. The products and services available for purchase may be dictatedby the products and services available online. As previously discussed,the products may be in physical or digital form. The services may beintangible, such as game playing. Additionally, the services may includefor example, Internet gambling, fee based adult content sites, off-trackbetting on sports, horses, dogs, etc., lottery games, fortune telling,fee based web sites, utility payments and charitable donations.

In some embodiments the user may need to initially register with thesystem. The ATM may present a series of queries to obtain one or moreidentifying inputs from the user so that the ATM may operate inconjunction with the host to set up an account for the user tofacilitate future use of the ATM. The account may be associated withuser information, such as address or delivery information. Otherinformation associated with the account may include demographicinformation. The account may be correlated through operation of one ormore computers with another account of the consumer such as a bankaccount, credit card account or line of credit. The information may beused by the administrator of the ATM to provide more ready use andquicker online set up of the machine for that particular user during asubsequent use. For example in some embodiments a user may operate themachine to pay amounts for goods or services in a plurality of separatesessions, between which there are time periods in which other usersconduct transactions at the machine. Other uses of the information mayinclude the presentation of specific advertising targeted to thatparticular user. For example, the advertisements may be provided on adisplay screen during waiting periods.

In some embodiments an automated transaction machine may be affiliatedwith one or more online retailers. These retailers may include in theirweb interface an additional payment option at checkout. For example, thepayment option may be “ATM”. This option may be in addition to creditcard, debit card or other options that may be used to make payment froma PC. Upon selecting the “ATM” payment option the user would next berequired to feed the needed amount of cash into a cash or currencyaccepting device of the machine. An exemplary cash accepting device isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,408, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. The machine may include a valuationdevice in operative connection with the cash accepting device thatoperates in conjunction with the computer to check the amount providedto the machine against the needed amount. The validation device may beof the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,413, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. After making a comparison of theamount fed into the machine is at least as great as the associatedprice, the machine could notify the merchant that the purchase shouldproceed. This may be done for example by sending one or more messages,such as a confirmation message to the merchant through a network. Ofcourse, at other stages of the purchasing process, the machine itselfcould present the user additional choices of payment. For example, atthe stage of checkout the machine may offer the user a lower purchasingprice if the user elects to pay by credit card or debit card instead ofcash, or vice versa.

Additionally, a customer using a computer not associated with anautomated transaction machine may be able to reach the checkout paymentoptions at a retailers web site. The programming associated with theserver operating the merchant site may be such that the “ATM” paymentoption (or another distinct option) may be layered to permit thecustomer to save the order information to enable later payment at anautomated transaction machine. For example the customer may be given acode or password that is associated with and which enables the ATM tooperate to retrieve the previous order information. A user of the ATMmay then quickly contact the web site, insert the necessary code, andcomplete the payment. The machine operates to cause the amount paid bythe user to be allocated towards payment for the ordered goods. This mayinclude in some embodiments, the merchant receiving payment through themachine operating to cause the merchant to be provided with an accountof the administrator, the administrator being charged for the order, andthe administrator retaining the cash deposited in the machine.Alternatively or in addition such allocation may include the machinecausing an electronic transfer of finds from the administrator to themerchant to pay for the order. Of course various approaches may be usedto allocate the cash the user provides to the machine to the paymentrequired to be made corresponding to the order. The described exemplaryarrangement may reduce the time necessary to make a purchase because thecustomers would already have a general or exact idea of how much theirpurchase will cost. Thus, the user could hold a sufficient amount ofcash before using the machine. The arrangement also permits a customerto place a preliminary order and save the order information when a cashaccepting ATM is not immediately available to the consumer.Alternatively the ATM may also be programmed to receive a customer'scode or other identifying data, contact the vendor (either online oroffline), and (after receiving the user's cash) complete or consummatethe order without the user having to again navigate through theretailer's entire web site or other order interface.

In exemplary embodiments an administrator of the ATM may be required tooversee payment to the merchant (or web site) for the cost of theordered goods. The administrator may have an account billed for laterpayment. For example, the administrator may receive an itemized periodicbill from a particular merchant relating to online purchases paid forvia the ATM. Other payment options may include the immediate transfer offinds from an account of the administrator or a third party on behalf ofthe administrator, to an account of the merchant. Alternatively theadministrator may have an open running account with an affiliatedmerchant. In other embodiments third parties may serve as a clearinghouse between merchants, ATM operators or other entities who receivecash or other value allocated to orders.

In some embodiments an administrator may receive revenue from feescharged to the online retailer (which may be similar to credit cardfees), from advertising, and/or from user fees. The administrator mayalso receive a certain percentage of the purchase price of the goodsfrom the retailer for enabling the user to purchase from that retailer.Furthermore, the retailer may pay access fees (e.g., IP, DSL) to theadministrator for the network access time. Of course other revenue maybe generated based on other arrangements with retailer or web sites,such as providing links to related web sites which may be of interest toparticular users.

Other revenue generating arrangements may also be implemented in someembodiments. For example, the user may be required to pay a cash userfee for an initial time period during which services are provided. Thetime period, which may be extendable by additional payment, could permitthe user to browse the Internet or a selected online collection of websites or in an online catalog as desired while compensating theadministrator for the network access. The user fee may also be of suchan amount that it would enable the administrator to recoup costsassociated with permitting the user to use the machine without making apurchase. The user fee could be refunded (or credited) toward the costof purchased goods or services if the user actually makes an onlinepurchase.

In some embodiments the ATM may be operatively programmed to calculate aprice associated with an order. This may include for example thecomputer being operative to cause the calculation either at the ATMand/or at a host, of a price which is a function of an amount requiredto be paid to the merchant plus added fees. These fees may include forexample, service charges, access charges, taxes or other amounts thatthe consumer is required to pay related to the purchase. The computermay then operate to cause the order to be entered or confirmed bysending one or more messages through the appropriate network.

In some embodiments the ATM may be operated to accept multiple paymentsfrom a user during separate transaction sessions. For example, themachine may be programmed to accept multiple payments from a user towarda particular order. This may include the user making weekly payments forexample toward an order. This may include for example, advance paymentfor utility services, payment of rental charges or other fees, or theuser paying so much periodically toward particular goods or services. Insome embodiments the orders may be associated with a standingarrangement between a user and a provider of goods or services and anorder placed through the ATM may identify that arrangement rather thaninitiate it. In some embodiments the user may have a preestablishedaccount which may be associated with the user or their transactions andwhich may be used in operation of the machine and system to allocate theuser's payments to the particular order. The account may be associatedwith a card, a code or biometric feature for example. In someembodiments the machine may be operative to open an account for the userby the user providing one or more identifying inputs through one or moreinput devices of the machine. The machine may operate to cause the valueof cash or other items input by the user to the machine to be creditedto the account. The machine may operate to cause appropriate electronicrecords to be produced and/or to provide the user with appropriatestatements such as by printing receipts indicating full or partialpayments made, or other status information. In some embodiments anaccount may be debited through the system either for the full amount orfor partial amounts responsive to deliveries of goods, services or use.In some embodiments the machine may be further operative to cause theuser account to be closed after the order has been transmitted and theamount therein debited. Of course various approaches may be used basedon the nature of the transaction, goods or services ordered.

In some embodiments a delivery address for the items associated with theorder may be input by the user at the ATM or in advance by the PC.Alternatively the machine may be programmed to provide the addressspecified by the administrator. This may be for example a location wherethe consumer may take delivery of items ordered.

In some embodiments cash equivalent payments may be accepted by the ATM.For example, the ATM may include a money order or check verificationsystem. Thus, the machine could accept a check or money order in lieu ofcash. The machine could then credit the user an amount equivalent to acash payment. Further the ATM may be operative to dispense to the userany change representing the excess of value input above the price for agiven order. For example the ATM may include features described inallowed U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,983, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Furthermore, in some embodiments the machine may be arranged to acceptcombinations of different types of payment. The machine could accept apartial credit card payment and a partial cash payment for the samepurchase. For example, a user may desire to purchase goods with a creditcard that is near its credit limit. The user could select to the pay aspecific amount with the credit card and the remainder with cash. Thus,another payment option would be related to a “combination payment”. Thismay be desirable for example when the user desires to charge part of theitems purchased to a card used for business and wishes to pay cash forpersonal items.

As discussed herein, the apparatus and method of an exemplary embodimentpermits use of a cash accepting automated banking machine to make anInternet or other online purchase. The user of the machine pays themachine cash for the goods purchased. The machine's administrator isresponsible for the payment to the merchant. Thus, the machine may actas an intermediary in allowing a consumer to purchase online goods froma seller. It should be understood that a user with a bank or credit cardaccount may also have access to all of the previously discussed featuresassociated with the ATM such as paying for orders via credit or debitcard account. In some embodiments the ATM may be operative to carry outcash dispensing transactions in which the value of cash dispensed isassessed to the user's account. Furthermore, the ATM may be a cashrecycling ATM such as described in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,408.This enables the ATM to dispense cash previously received as payment foronline purchases to users of the ATM making cash withdrawals. It shouldalso be understood that the term “goods” may be applied in the singularor plural. For example, a “goods” may constitute only a single item or aplurality of items.

FIG. 5 shows a view of an exemplary system arrangement permitting cashpayment for goods or services purchased online. A plurality of automatedbanking machines 110, such as ATMs, are shown connected to a computersystem 112 of a home host, such as a home bank or merchant. Home hostcomputer system 112 is operated by the bank or other entity which hasprimary responsibility for the ATMs 110. An ATM 110 may include a cashacceptor device and other components and features as previouslydiscussed. Certain exemplary ATM transaction function devices and theoperation thereof is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,413, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

ATM host computer system 112 is shown connected to the ATMs 110 througha network 114. The network 114 may be a local or proprietary networkthat may provide communication between the computer system 112 and themachines 110 using messages in the transmission controlprotocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) format. The messages that arecommunicated through the network 114 may include TCP/IP messages andhypertext mark up language (“HTML”) or other mark up language documents.

Home computer system 112 is also connectable as shown to a wide areanetwork 116. In some embodiments the wide area network 116 may includethe Internet. In other embodiments, other wide area networks may beused. The wide area network preferably communicates messages in TCP/IPbetween numerous computer systems connected to the wide area network.Thus, a particular ATM may be operable to access a plurality of websites 118, 120, 122, 124, and 126 associated with the network.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an exemplary display of payment optionspresented to a user by a web site offering online purchases that can bepaid for with cash that is received by an ATM. The payment options maycorrespond to, be represented by or be associated with buttons or iconson the machine's display screen. The payment buttons may for examplecorrespond to credit card (130), debit card (132), and ATM (134). Themachine may include a touch screen device to permit user paymentselection by touching one of the payment buttons or icons. A userselecting the ATM payment button (134) may additionally be asked(responsive either the merchant web site or responsive to programming ofthe machine), such as through the display, whether the ATM payment is bycash (136), credit card (130), debit card (132), money order (138), orcheck (140). Responsive to the payment selected, the ATM would operatethe pertinent devices to cause the machine to receive the indicatedpayment in the selected manner. For example, responsive to a checkpayment option being indicated, the machine would prepare to receive thecheck and operate to make a determination if the check is to beaccepted. If a cash payment option is selected then the machine wouldprepare the cash acceptor device to receive the currency.

FIGS. 7 A-E show schematically an exemplary sequence outline of stepsthat may occur during the process of purchasing goods from a merchant ata web site with use of an ATM.

It should be understood that in some embodiments an automatedtransaction machine may be a stand alone machine directly connected to anetwork such as the Internet without using an intranet. Various forms ofcommunications devices and network connections may be used, includingthose involving wireless or satellite usage. Additionally, a machine maybe configured for ease of modification to use the latest technologyrelating to faster connection and download times. Some existing ATMs maybe upgraded through the installation of computer software to enableprocessing of a user's order for goods or services as discussed herein.Furthermore, an automated transaction machine may be customized throughprogramming by an administrator, such as a retailer or merchant, tolimit or control browsing to specific web sites or other remote access.These specific web sites may pay a fee to the administrator of themachine in exchange for their accessibility.

Embodiments may find applicability to numerous types of situations andmay be used to facilitate the tracking of transactions in theentertainment, education, gaming, investment, merchandising and bankingindustries.

Alternative embodiments may provide for facilitating the delivery ofgoods or services within an establishment. For example in establishmentswhere patrons commonly encounter waiting time, embodiments may be usedto speed delivery of goods or services. For example in popularrestaurants during busy periods, patrons may be required to wait asubstantial time to be seated at a table. Subsequently once the patronsare seated they then must place their order and wait a further period toreceive their food. Such waiting time may be reduced by providing arestaurant web site which includes menu items and enables patrons toplace their orders online through an ATM. The patrons can also pay fortheir food order at the ATM via debit card, credit card, cash, check orother payment method. Variable items such as gratuities may be waivedfor online payment or a standard gratuity charge may be added.

In an exemplary embodiment, in response to placing their order onlinethrough the web site, the user receives an indicator such as a receiptidentifying their order and the fact that it has been paid for. Theindicator may be in the form of a traditional paper receipt with anumerical or other indicator or indicia that identifies the order.Alternatively the indicator may include additional information such asall the items that have been ordered by the patron. The restaurant's website in the exemplary embodiment is connected to a system in the kitchenso that the patron's order can be started at the appropriate time. Acomputer system in operative connection with the web site may alsoreceive inputs through manual input devices or other devices to monitorthe seating of patrons in the restaurant so that the patron's order isnot started too early. As a result in the exemplary embodiment thepatron's order is generally ready to be delivered tableside atapproximately when the patron is first seated at their table. Thisspeeds the flow of patrons through the restaurant enabling more peopleto be served in a timely manner. In the exemplary embodiment if thepatron wishes to order additional items such as beverages, desserts orother things that were not included with the original online order, aseparate check may be provided and paid for in the traditional manner.

In further alternative embodiments the restaurant web site may beaccessible through the Internet by PCs, cell phones or other devices.This enables patrons to place orders for items online from their home oroffice. Patrons can also pay for such items via credit or debit card orother option that enables payment through a computing device which doesnot accept cash. In some embodiments the web site may further enable auser to indicate when they expect to arrive at the restaurant. In thisway the user may schedule their arrival at the restaurant at a time whentheir order is about ready to be served. Alternatively or in additionthe web site interface may be configured to advise the user of theearliest time that the order could be delivered based on the currentnumber of patrons at the facility. In this way the patrons can placetheir order and plan to arrive at the restaurant at approximately thetime when the order is ready to be served. As can be appreciated in someembodiments the restaurant web site may be combined with the reservationsystem enabling patrons to remotely make reservations and place ordersseveral days in advance. In addition in an exemplary embodiment becausethe restaurant has already received payment for the items ordered, theprobabilities of a patron not arriving at the restaurant to receivetheir order is reduced.

Some embodiments may provide considerable detail to the web siteconcerning specials, recommendations and other information that may behelpful to prospective patrons. Information as may normally be providedby a waiter or waitress concerning food items may likewise be posted onthe web site. Further, the ability to take reservations and ordersonline may facilitate planning by the establishment for demands for fooditems and reduce the risk that the restaurant will run out of specialsor other items that are popular with patrons. Further, exemplaryembodiments may provide incentives for advance payment and/or paymentwith cash at the ATM.

It should be understood that while the exemplary embodiment discussedabove concerns a food service establishment, the principles discussedcan be applied to other types of establishments. Such establishments mayinclude those where the amount of waiting time encountered by a user maybe significant depending on the number of patrons at the facility.Embodiments may also find particular applicability in environments wherethe goods or services delivered must be customized, configured orassembled together in groups or sets to suit the needs or requirementsof the particular user.

In some alternative embodiments the principles of exemplary embodimentsmay be applied to a system and method in which an automated bankingmachine is operated to deliver noncurrency certificates that areredeemable for goods or services. In some exemplary embodiments this mayinclude for example certificates that are redeemable for goods orservices at the option of the bearer of the certificate, from aplurality of merchants located in a particular shopping area such as amall. Further in some exemplary embodiments the certificates maycomprise gift certificates of a type that may be provided by a purchaserof the certificate to another person. That person may then use thecertificate to acquire goods or services as the recipient desires fromthe affiliated merchants.

In an exemplary embodiment an automated banking machine and connectedsystems and networks of the type previously described may be used. Insome embodiments the cash dispenser or one or more modular dispensercomponents of a media dispenser in an ATM may be loaded with giftcertificates that have been preprinted and which have a given redeemableface value. For example the machine may be located in a mall and thegift certificates may be printed so as to indicate that the certificatesare redeemable by the merchants that are located in the mall for thegoods or services such merchants provide. In some embodiments themachine may operate to conduct transactions in which cash is dispensedas well as to dispense one or more gift certificates at the option ofthe consumer operating the machine. In alternative embodiments themachine may include a printer device and certificate stock materialwhich may be paper, cardboard or other suitable material. In suchembodiments the computer in the machine may be programmed so as toenable the printing of gift certificates on demand within the machineand to dispense certificates to a user. In such embodiments one or moreprinters located within the machine may operate to print the associatedvalue on the certificate stock and/or to otherwise print or applyindicia so as to create a valid and/or redeemable certificate prior tothe dispense thereof by the machine. Of course in some embodimentscertificates may be printed outside the machine, loaded into storageareas in the machine and dispensed in the course of transactions.

In operation a user operating the machine may provide appropriateinstructions and identifying inputs to the machine so as to identify theuser and/or an associated financial account. The user may also provideinputs to select a transaction including the dispense of giftcertificates. The machine then operates in accordance with itsprogramming to cause the appropriate gift certificates to be dispensedand to cause the user's account to be assessed the associated charge.Further the machine may operate in accordance with its programming tocause the associated charge allocated to the user's purchase of the giftcertificates to be credited to the account of an entity such as theadministrator which may be the mall operator who bears responsibilityfor reimbursing merchants who redeem the certificates. Such an accountis alternatively referred to herein as an accrued value account. Thismay be done for example by sending appropriate messages from the machinethrough the network so as to cause the transfer of the funds debitedfrom the consumer's account to the mall operator.

In some alternative embodiments in which the automated banking machineincludes a cash accepting device, the machine may be programmed so as tooperate to accept cash in payment for gift certificates. In suchembodiments the user may provide appropriate inputs so as to indicatethat they are electing a cash payment option. Thereafter the machineoperates in accordance with its programming to enable operation of acash accepting device and an associated valuation device to determine avalue associated with the cash input by the user. In response to theacceptance of such cash value, the machine is operative to dispense theappropriate value of certificates.

Still other embodiments may apply the principles previously discussed inwhich a person wishing to obtain gift certificates may specify theirorder therefor at a remote PC or other connected terminal. Thereafterthe person electing to purchase the gift certificates may utilize a codeor other identifying input used in connection with the initial processto operate the automated banking machine so as to recover the datarelated thereto. Thereafter the user of the banking machine may utilizea suitable form of monetary value payment to input to the machine suchas a credit card, debit card or cash for purposes of paying for giftcertificates. Upon payment of the appropriate monetary value, the giftcertificates are then dispensed.

In some alternative embodiments, apparatus and systems may be operatedso as to enable providing such certificates without the physicaldelivery of the gift certificates to the purchaser thereof. This mayinclude, for example, a person wishing to give the gift certificatespurchased to a third party. In some embodiments this may includepurchasing such certificates remotely from a PC or other connecteddevice via an Internet connection. This may include the purchaser of thecertificates making payment therefor via credit card, debit card orother noncash payment method. In exchange for making payment, the personpurchasing the certificates may be provided with a code or otheridentifying indicator which corresponds to such purchaser's rights toobtain such gift certificates. Thereafter the purchaser of the giftcertificates may transfer the code or other identifying indicator to theindividual who the purchaser intends to receive the particularcertificates. Such an individual may thereafter go to the machinelocated in the shopping area and by providing appropriate inputs,including the identifying indicator, receive from the ATM the dispenseof the gift certificates corresponding to the amount paid for them bythe person who originally purchased them. Of course as can beappreciated the code or other identifying indicators associated withsuch gift certificates may be provided in various forms and delivered invarious manners to the intended recipient. This may include for examplevarious physical and/or electronic forms of the identifying information.

In some examples the merchant web site for ordering such giftcertificates may include the capability to automatically dispatch agreeting card to the intended recipient, which greeting card may includethe authorization code or other indicia. Such a greeting card may be asuitable hard copy greeting card sent by mail, and may include in someembodiments features selected by the person making the gift certificatepurchase during the online session in which the gift certificates arepurchased. In alternative embodiments such codes may be included in anelectronic greeting card or other suitable delivery form for an intendedrecipient. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

When a recipient obtains the gift certificates they can then be used asthe recipient desires in accordance with the applicable terms thereof byredeeming the certificates for goods or services provided by one of theaffiliated merchants. The affiliated merchants then provide the redeemedcertificates or other suitable information related thereto to the malloperator or other administrator entity who is responsible forreimbursement of the merchants who are redeeming the certificates.Reimbursement is thereafter made by the mall operator or other entity inan amount that represents at least a portion of the face value of thegift certificates. As can be appreciated in some embodiments and methodsretailers may be reimbursed at a discount from face value of thecertificates so as to cover the cost associated with providing thecertificates as well as the ATM used for self service dispensing ofcertificates and/or associated online purchase capabilities. In thealternative or in addition purchasers of such gift certificates may beassessed a service fee associated with the purchase. It should beunderstood that such approaches are exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In still other embodiments, an automated banking machine such as an ATMmay be used in connection with gaming establishments and systems whichare operatively connected to gaming machines. Such an exemplary systemis indicated 150 in FIG. 8. In this exemplary embodiment, an ATM 152 islocated in a gaming establishment schematically represented 154. Locatedwithin the gaming establishment are a plurality of gaming machinesschematically represented 156. In exemplary embodiments, the gamingmachines may comprise slot machines, electronic poker machines and othertypes of machines at which users can play one or more games in exchangefor value. In addition in an exemplary embodiment, the machines are of atype at which a user can win the game and receive monetary value orother rewards as a consequence of winning. The exemplary gaming machinesoperate to carry out games for a user. Games have outcomes which canresult in the user winning (in which case the user receives value) orlosing (in which case the user loses value). Of course some gamingmachines may provide numerous types of outcomes.

As schematically represented in FIG. 8, the ATM 152 and the gamingmachines 156 are operative connection through an accrued valueprocessing network schematically indicated 158. The accrued valueprocessing network may comprise a local area network that providessuitable communication within the facility between the gaming machines,the ATM and one or more computers or servers indicated 160. Asschematically represented, at least one server 160 includes therein oneor more data stores which are schematically represented 162. It shouldbe understood, however, that the exemplary arrangement is but one ofmany that may be implemented for purposes of enabling communicationsbetween one or more ATMs, gaming machines and servers within gamingestablishments. It should also be understood that although a local areanetwork limited to the gaming establishment is shown, other embodimentsmay include networks having communications throughout a wider area, suchas between multiple gaming establishments having the same ownership,management company or a relationship that facilitates gaming activitiesof patrons who may wish to be able to engage in gaming activity within aplurality of various gaming establishments.

As also represented in the exemplary embodiment, the ATM 152 is inoperative connection with a banking network 164. The banking network maycomprise one or more of the types of networks previously discussed thatenable the ATM to conduct financial transactions with remote accountssuch as checking accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts orother accounts from or to which a user operating the ATM may transfervalue. As schematically represented in FIG. 8, the banking network is inoperative connection with multiple host banks 166, 168 and the computerstherein, which enable the carrying out and tracking of their customers'financial transactions. Of course it should be understood that thisschematic configuration is merely exemplary, and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used. Further, in exemplary embodiments systemsmay carry out communications between the ATM and local or remotecomputers in a manner like that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,492, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 9 schematically represents components included in an exemplary ATM152. It should be understood that the exemplary ATM may include one ormore structures, features, housings and components of the type shown inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,983,879; 6,997,375 and/or 6,981,638, the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated by reference. Of course these ATMstructures and features are merely exemplary of those that may be used.

As shown in FIG. 9, ATM 152 includes in supporting connection with itshousing a plurality of transaction function devices. The transactionfunction devices in this exemplary embodiment include a card reader 170.Card reader 170 may be of a type suitable for reading magnetic stripecards, smart cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) cards, orother type cards (or other devices such as a portable phone that candeliver data of a type that can be read from a card), that includereadable data thereon that can be read and used to identify a userand/or the user's financial account. In an exemplary embodiment, ATM 152includes a card reader that is operative to read data from credit and/ordebit cards. The exemplary ATM also includes a keypad 172. Keypad 172includes a plurality of keys that can be manually actuated by a user toprovide inputs to the ATM. Although schematically the keypad 172 isshown as a single item, embodiments may include a plurality of keys suchas function keys for providing manual inputs, as well as a keypad. Inaddition or in the alternative, embodiments may also include a touchscreen or similar input device that carries out the functions of akeypad or other manual input device.

The exemplary ATM 152 includes at least one printer schematicallyrepresented 174. In the exemplary ATM, the printer 174 is operative toprint items such as transaction receipts. In addition in the exemplaryembodiment, the printer 174 is operative as later discussed to printitems such as gaming tickets that include machine readable indiciathereon, such as a bar code. In alternative embodiments the ATM mayinclude a plurality of separate printers rather than a single printerfor performing these functions. This may include, for example, aseparate printing device for receipts related to transactions conductedand a separate mechanism in connection with the machine for printingitems such as gaming tickets. In still other alternative embodiments themachine may include additional printers. This may include, for example,an internal journal printer for printing a record related totransactions at the machine.

The exemplary embodiment includes a bill dispensing device schematicallyrepresented 176. The bill dispenser 176 is selectively operative todispense currency bills from the machine. The bill dispenser in someembodiments may include features of U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,832, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In theexemplary embodiment, the bill dispenser is operative to selectivelydispense several denominations of bills as may be desirable fordispensing to ATM users the amount of money as may be requested by auser or as may be associated with an accrued value account associatedwith a user's gaming ticket. It should be understood that in someembodiments the bill dispenser may include features of bill dispensersor bill recycling units of the type described in other disclosures thatare incorporated herein.

Exemplary ATM 152 also includes a coin dispenser 178. Coin dispenser 178is selectively operative to dispense coin in various denominations tousers of the ATM. In some exemplary embodiments, the ATM is operative todispense coins so that an exact amount is delivered to a user asseparate coins. This enables the ATM to provide to a user change inexact amounts down to the penny in some embodiments. Alternatively, someembodiments may operate to round the amount delivered in coin to a userto a most convenient coin size, such as the nearest nickel or dimeamount. Some embodiments may also include coin dispensers that areoperative to provide large numbers of coins to users. This may be donethrough the same or a separate coin dispenser. In still otherembodiments, coin dispensers may operate to deliver rolled coins tousers. This may be desirable in some embodiments where the ATM islocated in gaming establishments that have gaming machines that acceptcoins such as quarters. ATM users in such establishments may find itdesirable to obtain significant numbers of the particular type of cointhat can be accepted by the gaming machines. Alternatively or inaddition, some embodiments may be operative to dispense tokens which mayhave some characteristics of coins, such as a round shape, which can beused in gaming machines of the particular establishment. Of course,these approaches are exemplary.

The exemplary ATM 152 includes a code reading device 180. Code readingdevice 180 of an exemplary embodiment includes a bar code readingdevice. The bar code reading device may operate to read single ormultidimensional bar codes on items presented to the machine. In anexemplary embodiment the code reading device is operative to readmachine readable indicia in the form of bar code that is included ongaming tickets that are accepted by and produced by gaming machineswithin the establishment. In alternative embodiments, other types ofcode reading devices may be used as may be desirable for the particulartype of activity which occurs in the establishment where the ATM isused. This may include, for example, a code reading device that isoperative to read RF back scatter devices or RFID tags. In someembodiments such devices may be used to provide the machine readableindicia that is used to track particular gaming items and their value.In other embodiments, other types of tokens, items, or devices whichinclude unique identifying information may be used to track activity andbe associated with an accrued value account. The ATM may include one ormore code readers of a type suitable for reading any of such items asmay be required for its operation.

In the exemplary embodiment the ATM includes a display 182. Display 182of the exemplary embodiment comprises a visual display which includes aCRT or LCD screen which is operative to provide visual outputs to usersof the machine. The display may be used to provide ATM users withinstructions for operating the machine. Alternatively or in addition,the display may be used for other purposes such as providing promotionaladvertising, public service announcements, gaming information such asodds or instructions how to make bets, directions to areas within thefacility such as the cashier's cage, or other information. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments the display 182 may include atouch-screen function such that the display may serve as both an outputand an input device for the machine. Of course embodiments may includeother devices as well. These may include, for example, speakers,headphone jacks, wireless output devices, cell phone calling devices orother devices suitable for communicating with users of the machine.

The exemplary ATM also includes, in supporting connection with thehousing, a cash acceptor 184. Cash acceptor 184 may be of a type that isoperative to accept currency bills from users of the machine. This mayinclude, for example, devices of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,983,880, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Also, as previously discussed, cash acceptors may include devices of abill recycling type that accept and validate bills and can also dispensebills to users of the machine. In still other embodiments the ATM mayinclude cash acceptors that accept coin or items of value such astokens. Such cash acceptors may be useful when the ATM is used in anestablishment where coins or tokens are used to operate gaming machinesor other devices. Such features may also be particularly useful wheregaming machines pay winnings in coin or tokens which a user may findcumbersome to carry on their person. Of course these approaches areexemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The exemplary ATM also may include a document accepting device foraccepting other types of documents in the machine. This may include, forexample, a check accepting device schematically represented 186. Thecheck acceptor 186 may be of a type described in the disclosurespreviously incorporated herein. Alternatively, the device may be of atype described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,835 filed Jan.3, 2006, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/370,525 filed Mar.8, 2006, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein byreference. Check acceptor 186 may be operative to read indicia includedon checks or other documents. The check acceptor 186 may also beoperative to produce image data corresponding to the particulardocuments. Further, in some embodiments the function of the code readingdevice 180 and the document accepting device 186 may be combined in asingle device. For example, in some embodiments a device in the ATM maybe suitable for accepting gaming tickets and reading the machinereadable indicia thereon, as well as reading and analyzing the indiciaincluded on checks. The devices of the incorporated disclosures may besuitable for these purposes in some embodiments. Of course theseapproaches are exemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

Exemplary embodiments may also incorporate in the ATM 152 other devices.Such devices may include, for example, a biometric reading or sensingdevice schematically represented 188. The biometric reading device 188may in some embodiments include a device for reading biometric featuresof users. This may include, for example, fingerprint readers, irisscanners, voice analysis devices or other devices which can receive andanalyze features to identify a particular user. In still otherembodiments the biometric reader 188 may include an imaging device suchas a camera which operates in conjunction with facial recognitionsoftware or other software that can identify a user by appearancefeatures. Of course these devices are exemplary of devices which may beused in connection with the ATM 152 to sense and identify features thatare associated with a particular user.

The transaction function devices of the exemplary ATM are in operativeconnection with one or more processors schematically indicated 190.Processor 190 is in operative connection with one or more data stores192. The processor 190 is operative to execute instructions which arestored in one or more data stores to cause the ATM to carry outtransactions. The instructions which are executed by the processor maybe resident in the machine or stored on media of types suitable forbearing computer executable instructions. These may include, forexample, disk drives, solid state memory, memory cards, CDs, DVDs, flashmemory, or other types of suitable magnetic, optical or other storagemedia upon which computer executable instructions may be stored.

The at least one processor is in operative connection with at least onecommunications device schematically represented 194. The communicationsdevice can be one or more of the types previously discussed that enablethe ATM 152 to communicate with other computers. In the exemplaryembodiment the ATM 152 communicates in the accrued value processingnetwork 158 as well as with the banking network 164. Of course otherembodiments may communicate in other or different networks and withother or different entities of the types previously discussed herein.

It should be understood that the ATM 152 is an exemplary embodiment.Other embodiments may include other, different or lesser numbers ofdevices. Other embodiments may also perform additional, different orlesser numbers of functions than the exemplary embodiment. In addition,as previously discussed, in some embodiments certain functions performedby the exemplary embodiment may be combined such that a single devicemay perform functions of a plurality of the described devices. Likewise,in other embodiments a plurality of devices may be used to performfunctions described as being performed by a single device. The nature ofthe ATM used will depend on the particular circumstances in which it isoperated.

In some exemplary embodiments, the ATM 152 may be operated by customersto perform banking transactions. A user initiates a banking transactionby inserting a card which includes indicia thereon that is read by thecard reader. The indicia on the card includes data which corresponds tothe user and/or one or more of the user's account or other data that canbe used to enable a user to carry out a transaction. In sometransactions the user may also be required to input another identifyinginput such as a personal identification number (PIN) through the keypad.Alternatively or in addition, the user may input a biometric inputthrough a biometric reader 188. The nature of the input provided by theuser may depend on the type of transaction and/or network in which themachine is operated.

The user in conducting a banking transaction will respond toinstructions provided by the machine through its display or other outputdevice to indicate the type of transaction that the user wishes toconduct at the machine. These transactions may include, for example,receiving cash from a particular account, making a deposit to aparticular account, or making an inquiry as to the balance that the userhas in a particular account. In an exemplary embodiment, othertransactions may also be selectable by a user. These may include, forexample, inputting a check through operation of the check acceptor 186.Checks may be accepted for purposes of withdrawal or cashing a check.Alternatively, exemplary transactions may include depositing cashthrough the cash acceptor to the user's account. Alternatively,transactions may include changing denominations of bills or coins forother types of currencies. In some embodiments transactions may alsoinclude receiving or redeeming gaming tickets or other items thatinclude machine readable indicia. The transactions available depend onthe programming associated with the one or more processors 190, as wellas the system in which the ATM is used.

In situations where the requested transaction involves an account of theuser that is accessible through the banking network 164, the at leastone processor in the ATM is operative to cause the ATM to communicatethrough the appropriate communications device 194 and the bankingnetwork 164 with a user's account. This is schematically represented inFIG. 10 by communication of the ATM 152 with a host bank 166.

If the transaction that the user is seeking to conduct involves awithdrawal from a user's account, one or more computers operative withthe host bank 166 determines if the user is authorized to conduct therequested transaction and communicates responsive information throughthe banking network 164 to the ATM. Likewise, if the user at the ATM isrequesting to deposit finds into an account, the host banking systemdetermines if this is authorized and returns a response indicating itsdetermination. Similar functions are carried out responsive to othertypes of transactions that may be conducted with regard to the user'saccount, such as a balance inquiry, check cashing or other functionsthat are available at the ATM. It should be understood that thereference to an account being held by a host bank is merely exemplary.For purposes of this disclosure, a host bank may include any entitywhich is operative to authorize financial transactions from an accountassociated with a user.

Responsive to the communications with the host bank 166, the ATM is thenoperative to perform in accordance with the responsive instructions fromthe host bank. For example, if the user has requested to withdraw fundsfrom an account and the transaction is authorized, the ATM will thenperform in a manner to complete the requested transaction. For example,if a user has requested a transaction which includes the dispense ofcash, based on the withdrawal the at least one processor 190 willoperate to cause the bill dispenser 176 and/or coin dispenser 178 tooperate to dispense the desired amount of cash from the ATM. Of courseas previously discussed, in some embodiments the user may provideinstructions so as to designate the denominations of bills or coin thatthey wish to receive. Likewise, if the user has requested to conduct atransaction including a deposit, the ATM operates to receive the depositin the form of cash, check or other item that the ATM may receive fromthe user. It should be understood that in some embodiments the ATM maybe operative to validate the authenticity of deposited items such aswith a currency acceptor, check acceptor or other analysis device. Inother embodiments the user may provide inputs so as to indicate thenature of the deposit without machine verification thereof. This mayinclude, for example, deposits made to the machine through depositenvelopes.

Likewise, the exemplary embodiment may enable the carrying out of checkaccepting or check cashing transactions through operation of the checkacceptor 186. This may be accomplished by the ATM in ways similar tothose described in the incorporated disclosures. Further, in someembodiments the ATM may operate to accept cash equivalents such as chipsor gaming tokens used in the establishment, and enable the user todeposit the value thereof directly in their accounts that are accessiblethrough the banking network. Of course these transactions are exemplaryof those that may be conducted in various embodiments.

When the ATM has carried out the transaction as requested by the user,the ATM in some embodiments will communicate through the banking network164 to the appropriate host bank 166 information indicative that thetransaction was carried out. This enables the computer associated withthe host bank 166 to debit or credit the user's account according to thetransaction.

Exemplary ATM 152 may also be operated in accordance with itsprogramming to communicate in the accrued value processing network 158,which is connected to server 160 and other devices within the gamingestablishment. This enables the exemplary ATM to be used to facilitatethe gaming activities that are carried out in the establishment in whichthe ATM is located or in a related or separate gaming establishmentwhich is operatively connected to the accrued value processing networkto which the ATM is operatively connected.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ATM is operated in an establishment thatincludes gaming machines 156. The gaming machines operate in response toitems such as gaming tickets that include machine readable indicia. Thegaming machines of the exemplary embodiment are also operative uponcompletion of game playing activity to produce an item including machinereadable indicia that indicates a value which a user has as a result ofthe gaming activity. This may include, in an exemplary embodiment,gaming tickets which include bar code which identifies the particularticket and/or the value associated therewith.

In the exemplary embodiment, the one or more servers 160 connected inthe accrued value processing network are operative to track the gamingtickets using the machine readable indicia corresponding to one or morecodes as well as the monetary value associated therewith. Because in theexemplary embodiment the server 160 is in operative connection with eachof the gaming machines, data records corresponding to accrued valueaccounts may be stored in one or more data stores 162. Each of theaccrued value accounts may be associated with the machine readableindicia associated with each gaming ticket. Each of the accrued valueaccounts may also have associated therewith the monetary value whichcorresponds to the gaming ticket and its machine readable indicia.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the at least one server 160 isoperative to track and maintain records of the accrued value accounts,including the depletion of such accounts when a gaming ticket isdeposited in a gaming machine for purposes of playing the game that iscarried out by that gaming machine. Thereafter in an exemplaryembodiment, once the one or more games has been played and the valuethat a user had associated with his original gaming ticket is reduceddue to losses or increased due to winnings, the at least one gamingmachine is operative to produce a new gaming ticket including machinereadable indicia that corresponds to the value associated therewith.Communication between the gaming machine and the at least one server 160is operative to cause the server to establish at least one data recordassociated with an accrued value account that corresponds to machinereadable indicia on the gaming ticket produced by the gaming machine,and the value thereof. Of course this approach is exemplary, and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

An exemplary alternative approach may use different types of tokens oritems instead of disposable items such as gaming tickets. Such items mayinclude cards with RFID identifiers, smart cards including processorchips, pendants including machine readable identifiers, or other itemswhich have machine readable indicia and which may remain generally inthe possession of the user as the user is involved in gaming activities.In some embodiments, the gaming machines may be operative to change datastored as machine readable data on the particular item, responsive tothe user's winnings and losses at various gaming machines. Each of thegaming machines may include devices for reading such items andreprogramming the items with data accordingly. In such systems,communication between the gaming machine and the at least one server 160in the accrued value processing network is operative to track the valueassociated with the particular item. In such embodiments, the server 160may also be operative to associate the data corresponding with theparticular item and the particular user who uses the item to conductgaming activities. This enables the at least one server 160 to performother functions. These other functions may include, for example,targeted marketing, providing benefits and premiums to users, and/orminimizing the risk of fraudulent activity. In some embodiments the ATMmay utilize the principles described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,600 thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Of course theseapproaches are merely exemplary of functions that may be carried outresponsive to processing of data by the at least one server.

In still other exemplary embodiments, users may use items includingmachine readable indicia in the form of data which can be associatedwith a particular accrued value account. The gaming machines and/or ATMwill each include a reader for reading indicia on such items. In suchcircumstances, the particular data included on the item may not bechanged responsive to gaming activity. Rather, the at least one servermay maintain an account associated with the particular item and/or user.Further in some embodiments the data associated with the user's accruedvalue account may be a biometric feature. This may include, for example,one or more fingerprints, iris scan data, retina scan data, voice print,face print or other biometric data or combinations thereof. The accountmay be adjusted through operation of the at least one server to reflectthe user's winnings or losses through adjustments to the record in theat least one data store. This approach may avoid the need to have thegaming machines include devices which produce and/or modify gamingtickets or other items held by the user. Of course these approaches areexemplary.

In still other embodiments, the gaming machines or items associatedtherewith may include verification devices to help minimize the risk offraud or theft in connection with the use of gaming tickets or otheritems that represent value. These may include, for example, biometricreaders in operative connection with one or more of the gaming machines.In such embodiments a biometric identifier may be sensed and stored inthe at least one data store 162 in operative connection with one or moreof the server computers 160 in the network. The biometric identifier maybe stored in correlated relation with data corresponding to theparticular gaming ticket and/or the machine readable indicia thereon, orother identifying data associated with a gaming item. In someembodiments the particular gaming item may only be used or redeemed forcash or other value, if the user seeking to use or redeem the itemcorresponds to the stored biometric data. Approaches of this type may beused to minimize the risk of theft or counterfeiting of gaming ticketsor other items.

It should be understood that these approaches are exemplary ofapproaches that may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ATM 152 is operative to enable a user toredeem gaming tickets for cash or other value. In an exemplaryembodiment, the ATM operates in accordance with its programming toenable the user to conduct a transaction in which a gaming ticket ispresented to the ATM. The gaming ticket has machine readable indiciathereon which is read by the code reading device 180. In the exemplaryembodiment, the ATM is operative to receive the gaming ticket into themachine for purposes of reading the indicia. However, in otherembodiments certain reading devices that can read indicia from an itemthat is external of the ATM housing may be used.

The ATM operates in accordance with its programming to communicate datacorresponding to the machine readable indicia corresponding to one ormore codes read from the item to the one or more servers 160 in theaccrued value processing network. The at least one server is operativeto determine the amount in the accrued value account associated with theparticular code or codes represented by the machine readable indicia. Ifthe machine readable indicia corresponds to a current accrued valueaccount, and such account includes a value amount associated therewith,the at least one server communicates one or more messages to the ATM,which indicates that the ticket can be redeemed for value, and theamount thereof. Of course if the gaming ticket is invalid or isotherwise not suitable for being redeemed, the messages from the atleast one server to the ATM will so indicate.

Responsive to the at least one server indicating that the gaming ticketis suitable for redemption, the at least one processor operates inaccordance with its programming to provide value to the user. Theexemplary embodiment also operates, responsive to redeeming the gamingticket, to retain the ticket in a storage location within the machine.

In some exemplary transactions, the user will indicate through inputs tothe machine that the user wishes to redeem the gaming ticket for cash.In that case, the at least one processor 190 in the ATM will operate tocause the bill dispenser 176 and/or coin dispenser 178 to operate todispense cash to the user. In some embodiments the cash dispensed maypay the user to the penny. In other embodiments, as discussed, themachine may operate to round the amount to a particular value that canbe provided by the machine through the dispensing of the available billand coin denominations.

In still other embodiments, the ATM may operate in accordance with itsprogramming to redeem gaming tickets for value in other ways. These mayinclude, for example, enabling the user to deposit the value in anaccount that is accessible through the banking network. In such cases,the user transaction at the ATM may include reading a card associatedwith the user's account, which includes data which enables the ATM tocommunicate through the banking network and deposit the redeemed fundsin a financial account associated with the user. In some embodiments,the at least one processor 190 in the ATM may operate to enable the userto conduct transactions in which a portion of the value from the gamingticket is deposited in an account of the user accessible through thebanking network while another portion is provided in another form. Theother form may include cash, gaming tokens, gaming tickets, vouchers forgoods or services, or other items that are dispensable by the machine.Of course these approaches are exemplary.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the ATM may operate in accordancewith its programming to only provide value in the form of cash or gamingtickets, tokens or chips in redemption transactions meeting certainparameters. These parameters may include, for example, transactionsunder a certain value amount or that meet other programmed criteria. Forexample, if the gaming ticket that a user wishes to redeem is above acertain specified value, the at least one processor in the ATM mayoperate to cause the ATM to provide outputs to the user that direct theuser to the cashier cage at the gaming establishment. Such an approachmay be desirable in some embodiments to avoid premature depletion ofavailable bills or other items that are stored in the ATM. Such anapproach may also be desirable in some cases where there is concernregarding possible fraud or theft of gaming tickets. Of course in suchcircumstances the ATM may operate in accordance with its programming toperform other functions. These functions may include the capability toredeem the user's gaming ticket and provide a check or voucher that canbe redeemed at a cashier cage or in another location within the gamingestablishment or other facility. In some embodiments the at least oneserver or the ATM is operative to calculate taxes on a user's winningsand to make deductions therefrom. The user may be provided with anamount reduced for tax withholding from the ATM. The ATM may also beoperative to print and provide the user with a tax withholding formshowing taxes withheld. Of course these approaches are merely exemplary.

The functions described in connection with the redemption of gamingtickets may also be used in connection with other types of items thatare used in connection with the operation of gaming machines. These mayinclude, for example, items of the type previously discussed such asRFID tokens, smart cards, pendants or other items which include machinereadable indicia that can be read by the code reading device installedin an ATM. As previously discussed, these items may include thecapabilities of changing the indicia on the item through operation ofthe gaming machines so as to indicate value thereon. Alternatively, orin addition, the items may include more permanent data which is used bythe accrued value processing network to track the particular valueassociated with the machine readable indicia and data readable from theparticular item. Such items may also comprise biometric data that isused in lieu of other machine produced items. Alternatively or inaddition machine produced items may have biometric or other identifyingdata associated with the accrued value account records stored in the atleast one data store 162 to help minimize the risk of fraud. Of courseit should be understood that in at least some embodiments where the itemincludes changeable data representative of value, the ATM may include inoperative connection with at least one processor, a suitable device forchanging the data included on the item so as to indicate that the valueassociated therewith has been eliminated or reduced as a result of totalor partial redemption thereof. Of course in some embodiments the itemmay be captured by the machine in a manner similar to that described inconnection with gaming tickets. In other embodiments the particular itemmay be retained by the user for use in the future in connection withgaming or other activities.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the ATM 152 may be operative toprovide gaming tickets or other items which can be used in connectionwith the operation of gaming machines. For example, the ATM 152 mayoperate in an exemplary embodiment to cause value to be withdrawn by auser from a banking account accessible through a network, and to applysuch value to the purchase by the user of one or more gaming tickets. Insuch embodiments the ATM operates in accordance with its programming toprint at least one gaming ticket that includes machine readable indiciathereon. In such a transaction the ATM is also operative to communicatewith the at least one computer server 160 in the accrued valueprocessing network, to indicate the transaction associated with issuinga gaming ticket. The at least one server 160 is operative to establishat least one record in the at least one data store 162, associating themachine readable indicia that is printed on the gaming ticket and theamount of value associated therewith. Of course, in some embodiments theat least one server computer 160 may also be operative to storeadditional information in such records, including information about theuser's banking account, the user or other information that may beappropriate or desirable to be tracked in connection with the accruedvalue processing system.

In other alternative embodiments, the ATM 152 may be operative to issuegaming tickets responsive to other sources of value that are received oraccessed by the ATM. These may include, for example, currency depositedas bills or coin in appropriate cash accepting devices within the ATM.The ATM may operate in accordance with its programming to issue gamingtickets including machine readable indicia in response to such items. Ofcourse, in such embodiments the ATM is operative to communicate with theat least one server computer so as to establish the records necessaryfor the tracking of the dispensed gaming ticket.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the at least one ATM may beoperative to receive other value, such as checks, from a user. This maybe done, for example, by using the principles described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,137,551; 7,090,122; and/or 7,147,147, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. The machine may operate inaccordance with its programming to communicate with the banking networkor other external network to accept the check and provide a user withvalue therefor. Such value may include the dispense of a gaming ticketincluding machine readable indicia. Of course, the ATM in suchcircumstances may also operate in accordance with its programming tocommunicate with the one or more servers 160 so as to establish therecords associated with the gaming ticket dispensed. The communicationsmay also store in connection therewith information corresponding to theparticular check cashed. For example in some exemplary embodiments, theat least one ATM may operate in accordance with the descriptions of theincorporated disclosures to produce data corresponding to an image ofone or more sides of the check received into the ATM. The check may thenbe presented electronically into a settlement network so that the gamingestablishment may promptly receive credit in its account for the valueof the particular check. This approach may be used to facilitate checkprocessing and reduce the risk that the check is later dishonored forinsufficient funds. Of course these approaches are exemplary, and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the ATM may operate to produceitems that can be used in gaming activities other than gaming tickets.These items may be items that are dispensable from the ATM. In stillother embodiments, the ATM may operate with items associated with theuser that include machine readable indicia that is changeable thereon.In such cases the ATM may include an appropriate device for changing thedata on the particular item that is used in conjunction with the gamingmachines so as to include data which is indicative of the amount ofvalue that is associated therewith. Of course in still other embodimentsof the type previously discussed, certain items and/or biometricidentifiers used in connection with operating gaming machines may notnecessarily have changeable data thereon. For processing transactionsinvolving such items or identifiers, the ATM may operate to communicateto the at least one server 160. The server may operate to change thedata included in the record corresponding to the particular item oridentifier so as to reflect changes in the value thereof. Of coursethese approaches are exemplary.

FIG. 10 represents schematically the operation of an exemplary ATM 152in a gaming establishment which includes gaming machines that operate inresponse to gaming tickets. These gaming tickets include machinereadable indicia such as bar code. In the exemplary process described,the ATM 152 operates to receive value from a user in one of the wayspreviously described, and to print a gaming ticket including machinereadable indicia thereon. This gaming ticket is delivered to the user.The ATM also operates in accordance with its programming to communicatethrough the accrued value processing network with the at least oneserver computer 160. The server computer is operative to create ormodify a record included in at least one data store 162, including datacorresponding to the machine readable indicia on the gaming ticket aswell as the value associated therewith. For purposes of this disclosure,value associated with the machine readable indicia will be alternativelyreferred to as an accrued value account associated with the particulargaming ticket. Of course, as previously described, the at least onecomputer server 160 may also process and store other data associatedwith a gaming ticket. These may include, for example, user identifyingdata, time data, source of value data, check data (when a gaming itemwas paid for by cashing a check), bank account data (in cases where theitem was purchased and value deducted from a bank account), userbiometric data or other data that may be useful in the system.

The gaming ticket may be taken by a user to a gaming machine 156. In theexemplary embodiment, the gaming machine 156 accepts the gaming ticketand reads the machine readable indicia thereon through a reading deviceincluded in the gaming machine. The gaming machine which receives thegaming ticket communicates through the accrued value processing networkwith the at least one server 160. Communication with the at least oneserver is operative to determine if the gaming ticket is valid, as wellas the value associated therewith.

Assuming that the gaming ticket is determined as valid, the servercommunicates with the gaming machine in a manner which authorizes theplaying of one or more games at the machine. The user is enabled tooperate the gaming machine 156 to play one or more games up to a timethat the value associated with the gaming ticket is depleted. In theexemplary system, the gaming machines are operative to enable the userto optionally decide to cease playing the game at the machine in whichthe original gaming ticket has been deposited. When the user providesinputs to the gaming machine that the user wishes to cease playing, thegaming machine is operative to determine the amount that the user isentitled to receive. Of course, in some embodiments this may be done bythe gaming machine, the server 160 or a combination thereof. Upondetermination of the amount that the user is then currently entitled toreceive, the at least one gaming machine is operative to produce a newgaming ticket including machine readable indicia thereon and deliver itto the user. This may be done by the gaming machine printing a newticket with one or more codes thereon. The exemplary gaming machine isalso operative to communicate with the at least one server so as toenable the at least one server to produce or modify at least one recordin at least one data store. The exemplary record includes datacorresponding to the at least one code corresponding to indicia on thegaming ticket and the accrued value account associated therewith.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, each gaming machinemay produce items with different machine readable indicia from themachine readable indicia on the gaming ticket that was originallydeposited into the gaming machine when the user started playing games atthe machine. In such embodiments the at least one server 160 isoperative to cancel the accrued value account associated with the codescorresponding to the original machine readable indicia, and includerecords in the at least one data store corresponding to a new accruedvalue account associated with the new machine readable indicia. However,in other embodiments the data represented by machine readable indicia onthe gaming ticket may be wholly or partially the same as that providedto the gaming machine. In such cases, the at least one server may beoperative to update an accrued value account record for the previousticket rather than create a different record corresponding to adifferent account. In still other embodiments, approaches may be usedfor tracking the redemption and issuance of gaming tickets. Such datamay be particularly useful for analysis purposes to determine instancesof fraud or malfunction in gaming machines.

Returning to the description of the exemplary operation shown in FIG.10, the gaming ticket produced by the gaming machine, at the conclusionof the user's game playing activity at that machine, may be taken by theuser to another gaming machine. The gaming ticket may be accepted inthat machine for purposes of playing the games provided through thatmachine. Again, that gaming machine would communicate through theaccrued value processing network to track the value associated with theinput gaming ticket and the gaming activity. Upon the completion of thegame playing activity at that machine, the exemplary embodiment causesthat gaming machine to issue to the user another gaming ticket. Thevalue associated with that ticket is increased or decreased depending ongames won or lost at the machine. This process may be repeated until theuser decides that they no longer wish to play games that accept gamingtickets and/or they wish to redeem their then-current gaming ticket forvalue.

When the user wishes to redeem a gaming ticket for value, the user maytake the gaming ticket to the ATM. Presentation of the gaming ticket tothe exemplary ATM causes the ATM to operate in accordance with itsprogramming to enable the user to receive value for the gaming ticket.This may be done in one of the ways previously discussed. The user mayprovide one or more inputs to the ATM to choose transactions that aremade available through the ATM. These may include, for example, thedeposit of value in an account accessible through the banking network,receipt of bills, coin, other gaming items, or to conduct othertransactions. Of course these approaches are exemplary of transactionsthat may be conducted.

In still other exemplary embodiments the gaming machines may operate toread a user's biometric feature such as a fingerprint, iris scan, handscan, voice print or combinations thereof. In such an exemplaryembodiment the accrued value of the account is associated in at leastone data store with one or more data values that are produced byprocessing the readable biometric features. In such exemplaryembodiments the user may operate the gaming machines by enabling themachine to read the one or more biometric features. Such an approach maybe useful in that it avoids the needs for machine produced items such astickets in connection with operating the machines.

Further in some exemplary embodiments the ATM may include a biometricreader among its transaction function devices. The ATM may operate toenable a user to withdraw funds from one or more financial accounts, andassociate such a value in at least one data store in the accrued gamingvalue network in association with data corresponding to the user's oneor more biometric identifiers. Thus in some exemplary embodiments theuser may associate value with the data corresponding to at least onebiometric identifier at the ATM, and then use that value for gameplaying activities at various gaming machines operatively connected inthe accrued value network. As previously discussed the outcomes of thegame playing activities result in adding or reducing the datacorresponding to value in the accrued value network associated with theat least one biometric identifier.

In further exemplary embodiments the ATM may be operative to enable auser to transfer value associated with the accrued value network tobanking accounts or other accounts accessible through a financialtransaction network. Further in exemplary embodiments the ATM may beoperative to enable the user to redeem value in their accrued valueaccount for cash or other value. This may be accomplished through theuser providing to the ATM or other device the one or more biometricidentifiers necessary to identify the user as being entitled to receivevalue from the accrued value account. Of course this approach isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other exemplary embodiments, ATMs may operate to dispense itemsother than printed tickets. For example in some embodiments, the ATM mayinclude a card dispenser. The ATM may be operative to provide cards to auser in exchange for value. The ATM may be operative to include datarepresentative of value on cards by encoding data on a magnetic stripeor computer chip resident on the card or through other methods. In someexemplary embodiments the card dispensed by the ATM may be taken togaming machines and the value thereon applied to playing games at themachines. The data representative of value on the card may beincremented upwards or downwards based on winning or losing. In someexemplary embodiments the card may also be redeemed for cash at the ATMin a manner similar to tickets previously discussed. Of course thisapproach is exemplary.

Further it should be understood that although the machine of theexemplary embodiment may be referred to as an ATM, other types ofautomated banking machines may operate using the principles discussedherein.

Although the exemplary embodiment has been described in connection withgaming systems, the principles may be applied to other types of systemsin which an automated banking machine is used to redeem items for valueor dispense items that can be used to receive goods or services. Inaddition, the principles described can be used in combination with thosereferred to in connection with other types of systems to provide theuser with additional types of transactions.

Thus the exemplary systems and methods described herein achieve at leastone of the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties encounteredin the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems and attains thedesirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function will be construed as encompassing any means known to thoseskilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function, andwill not be limited to the structures shown herein or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in theappended claims.

1. A method comprising: (a) reading indicia on a user card throughoperation of a card reader of a cash dispensing automated bankingmachine, wherein the indicia corresponds to a financial account, whereinthe automated banking machine is located in a gaming establishment,wherein the automated banking machine includes at least one code reader,a cash dispenser, and at least one display, wherein the automatedbanking machine is associated with at least one computer that isoperable to both access a particular cash amount from data in at leastone data store, wherein the particular cash amount is a predeterminedamount, and determine whether a cash worth is less than thepredetermined amount; (b) operating the automated banking machine todispense cash to a user of the automated banking machine and to cause acharge corresponding to the dispensed cash to be assessed to thefinancial account; (c) reading a code bearing item corresponding to agaming value associated with the gaming establishment, through operationof the at least one code reader; and (d) subsequent to each of adetermination of cash worth of the gaming value, and accessing by the atleast one computer of the predetermined amount from the at least onedata store, and a determination by the at least one computer of whetherthe cash worth is greater than the predetermined amount, operating theautomated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine isconfigured to dispense an amount of cash corresponding to at least aportion of the cash worth, responsive at least in part to adetermination by the at least one computer that the cash worth is lessthan the predetermined amount, wherein the automated banking machine isconfigured to display at least one user instruction to requestredemption of the gaming value at least one different gaming valueredeeming location in the gaming establishment, wherein the at least oneuser instruction includes directions to a cashier location, responsiveat least in part to a determination by the at least one computer thatthe cash worth is greater than the predetermined amount, to either (di)dispense an amount of cash corresponding to at least a portion of thecash worth, responsive at least in part to a determination by the atleast one computer that the cash worth is less than the predeterminedamount, or (dii) display at least one user instruction to requestredemption of the gaming value at least one different gaming valueredeeming location in the gaming establishment, responsive at least inpart to a determination by the at least one computer that the cash worthis greater than the predetermined amount, wherein the at least one userinstruction includes directions to a cashier location.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the automated banking machine includes atleast one communication device, and further comprising: (e)communicating through operation of the at least one communicationdevice, with at least one computer of a credit card network or a debitcard network; (f) communicating through operation of the at least onecommunication device, with at least one computer of an accrued valuenetwork, wherein the accrued value network is in operative connectionwith at least one gaming machine; wherein cash is dispensed from theautomated banking machine in (b) responsive at least in part to (e), andwherein cash is dispensed from the automated banking machine in (d)responsive at least in part to (f).
 3. The method according to claim 2wherein the code bearing item includes first data corresponding to agaming account, and wherein in (f) the first data is communicated to theat least one computer of the accrued value network.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein in (c) the code bearing item comprises anitem that is usable to cause a gaming machine to play at least one game.5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the code bearing itemincludes a bar code, and wherein in (c) the bar code is read throughoperation of the at least one code reader of the automated bankingmachine.
 6. The method according to claim 5 and further comprising: (g)prior to (c), dispensing the code bearing item through operation of agaming machine.
 7. The method according to claim 1 and furthercomprising (e) prior to (c), printing the code bearing item throughoperation of a printer of the automated banking machine.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the code bearing item in (c) is usable tocause a gaming machine to play at least one game.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the code bearing item is usable to cause agaming machine to play at least one game, and wherein the code bearingitem includes a bar code, and wherein in (c) the bar code is readthrough operation of the at least one code reader of the automatedbanking machine.
 10. The method according to claim 1 and furthercomprising: (e) prior to (c), dispensing the code bearing item throughoperation of a gaming machine.
 11. The method according to claim 10wherein the code bearing item has at least one associated code thereon,and further comprising: (f) prior to (c), responsive at least in part tooperation of the gaming machine, causing the at least one associatedcode and the gaming value to be stored in correlated relation in anaccrued value network.
 12. The method according to claim 1 and furthercomprising: (e) reading at least one biometric feature through operationof a biometric reading device of the automated banking machine; and (f)determining that the at least one biometric feature read in (e)corresponds to the code bearing item read in (c); wherein the automatedbanking machine operates to dispense cash in (di) responsive at least inpart to (f).
 13. A method comprising: (a) operating at least onecomputer responsive at least in part to a request from a customer toredeem a gaming value associated with a gaming establishment, to causeat least one code reader of a gaming value redeeming banking machine toread at least one code corresponding to the gaming value, wherein themachine is located in the gaming establishment, wherein the machine isassociated with a currency dispenser and at least one display; (b)operating the at least one computer to access a particular cash amountfrom data in at least one data store, wherein the particular cash amountis a predetermined amount; (c) subsequent to a determination of cashworth of the gaming value, operating the at least one computer tocompare a cash amount corresponding to the cash worth and thepredetermined amount accessed in (b); (d) responsive at least in part tothe comparison in (c), operating the at least one computer to determinewhether the cash amount is greater than the predetermined amount; and(e) subsequent to the determination in (d), operating the at least onecomputer to either (ei) cause the currency dispenser to dispense anamount of currency corresponding to the cash amount, responsive at leastin part to a determination in (d) that the cash amount is less than thepredetermined amount, or (eii) cause the display to instruct thecustomer to request redemption of the gaming value at least onedifferent gaming value redeeming location in the gaming establishment,responsive at least in part to a determination in (d) that the cashamount is greater than the predetermined amount, wherein the at leastone different gaming value redeeming location includes a cashierlocation, and wherein (eii) includes displaying walking directions tothe cashier location; wherein the at least one computer is configured toseparately perform each of (ei) and (eii).
 14. The method according toclaim 13 wherein the machine comprises an automated banking machine,wherein the automated banking machine is operative to carry out cashwithdrawal transactions, wherein the automated banking machine includesthe at least one computer, the currency dispenser, the at least one codereader, and the at least one display, wherein in (a) the at least onecode reader comprises at least one of a gaming card reader, a gamingticket reader, and a biometric reader, and further comprising (f)operating the at least one computer to cause the cash worth to bedetermined based at least in part on the at least one code read in (a).15. The method according to claim 13 wherein a code bearing itemincludes the at least one code, wherein (a) includes operating the atleast one code reader to read the at least one code from the codebearing item.
 16. The method according to claim 15 and furthercomprising (f) prior to (a), operating the machine to receive the codebearing item.
 17. The method according to claim 16 and furthercomprising (g) operating the at least one computer to cause the cashworth to be determined based at least in part on the at least one coderead in (a).
 18. The method according to claim 13 wherein (b) includesoperating the at least one computer to determine the predeterminedamount, wherein the machine includes stored currency notes, wherein in(b) the determination is based at least in part on at least one ofquantity of the stored currency notes and value of the stored currencynotes.
 19. The method according to claim 18 wherein (d) includesdetermining whether the cash amount is less than the predeterminedamount determined in (b).
 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein(b) includes determining a predetermined amount that avoids dispense ofall the stored currency notes.
 21. The method according to claim 13wherein the predetermined amount is a maximum gaming pay out amountwhich the machine is permitted to dispense, wherein (d) includesdetermining whether the predetermined amount exceeds the maximum gamingpay out amount.
 22. The method according to claim 13 wherein a codebearing item includes the at least one code, wherein the code bearingitem includes first data corresponding to a gaming account, wherein thecode bearing item is usable to cause a gaming machine associated withthe gaming establishment to play at least one game, wherein (a) includesoperating the at least one code reader to read the at least one codefrom the code bearing item, and further comprising: (f) prior to (a),dispensing the code bearing item through operation of a gaming machineassociated with the gaming establishment.
 23. At least one articleincluding computer executable instructions configured to cause at leastone computer associated with a gaming value redeeming banking machinewhich is located in a gaming establishment and which includes at leastone code reader, a currency dispenser, and at least one display, tocarry out a method comprising: (a) operating the at least one computerresponsive at least in part to a request from a customer to redeem agaming value associated with the gaming establishment, to cause the atleast one code reader to read at least one code corresponding to thegaming value; (b) operating the at least one computer to access aparticular cash amount from data in at least one data store, wherein theparticular cash amount is a predetermined amount; (c) subsequent to adetermination of cash worth of the gaming value, operating the at leastone computer to compare a cash amount corresponding to the cash worthand the predetermined amount accessed in (b); (d) responsive at least inpart to the comparison in (c), operating the at least one computer todetermine whether the cash amount is greater than the predeterminedamount; and (e) subsequent to the determination in (d), operating the atleast one computer to either (ei) cause the currency dispenser todispense an amount of currency corresponding to the cash amount,responsive at least in part to a determination in (d) that the cashamount is less than the predetermined amount, or (eii) cause the displayto instruct the customer to request redemption of the gaming value atleast one different gaming value redeeming location in the gamingestablishment, responsive at least in part to a determination in (d)that the cash amount is greater than the predetermined amount, whereinthe at least one different gaming value redeeming location includes acashier location, and wherein (eii) includes displaying walkingdirections to the cashier location; wherein the at least one computer isconfigured to separately perform each of (ei) and (eii).
 24. The atleast one article according to claim 23 wherein the machine comprises anautomated banking machine which includes the at least one computer, thecurrency dispenser, the at least one code reader, and the at least onedisplay, wherein the computer executable instructions are operative tocause the automated banking machine to carry out cash withdrawaltransactions, wherein the method further comprises (f) operating the atleast one computer to cause the currency dispenser to dispense currencyduring a cash withdrawal transaction.
 25. The at least one articleaccording to claim 23 wherein in (a) the at least one code readercomprises at least one of a gaming card reader, a gaming ticket reader,and a biometric reader, and further comprising (f) operating the atleast one computer to cause the cash worth to be determined based atleast in part on the at least one code read in (a).
 26. The at least onearticle according to claim 23 wherein a code bearing item includes theat least one code, wherein (a) includes operating the at least one codereader to read the at least one code from the code bearing item.
 27. Theat least one article according to claim 26 and further comprising (f)prior to (a), operating the machine to receive the code bearing item.28. The at least one article according to claim 27 and furthercomprising (g) operating the at least one computer to cause the cashworth to be determined based at least in part on the at least one coderead in (a).